February 10 fundraiser set for David L. Kelly

Supporters of David L. Kelly's 5th Subcircuit judicial bid (Jones vacancy) are planning a fundraiser for their candidate on Saturday, February 10, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., at Gallery Guichard, 436 East 47th Street.

Hosting the event are Stephanie Kelly, Demika Carswell, and Kelly Rodgers. There will be live entertainment and a DJ; drinks and light hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Tickets are $50 apiece but sponsorships are available ($100, $250, $500, $1,000). For more information, or to reserve tickets, email Demika Carswell at demikac@yahoo.com or call (773) 628-3222.

Kevin Cunningham fundraiser set for February 15

Supporters of Kevin Cunningham's 3rd Subcircuit judicial bid are planning a fundraiser for next Thursday evening, February 15, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at Barraco's, 3047 W. 111th Street.

Tickets for the event are $50 apiece (2 for $75) and sponsorships are available (Level I - $125, Level II - $250, Level III - $500). Pizza and drinks will be provided. For more information, or to reserve tickets, email Sarah at sarahcunningham76@yahoo.com.

February 15 fundraiser for Judge Joanne Rosado

Supporters of Judge Joanne Rosado's 11th Subcircuit judicial bid are planning a fundraiser for their candidate next Thursday, February 15, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Draft Bar Chicago, 8221 West Irving Park.

Tickets are $50 each (although larger donations will be accepted). For more information about the event, email pericles@uchicago.edu or call Pericles Abbasi at (773) 368-5423.

Transgender judicial candidate puts out response to Jeanne Ives commercial

I assume that, by now, virtually everyone who reads FWIW has seen the Jeanne Ives 'thank you, Bruce Rauner' ad. For those who may be just emerging from a coma, however, here is the video.



I don't cover the gubernatorial race on this blog. I've got enough troubles.

But 10th Subcircuit judicial candidate Jill Rose Quinn (Suriano vacancy) put out a response to the Ives commercial, and that does cross over onto my beat. At least arguably. So here is that response.



I'm not going to start posting everyone's commercials -- I don't think there are enough hours in the day for me to do that -- but I'm posting this video because I think its newsworthy. (NB: I have paid attention to the comments -- that I've not published -- regarding certain candidates' commercials. There may well be a story there -- but that will take some time and effort on my part to properly research and report. Stay tuned.)

Corri Diane Fetman website goes live, Feb. 22 fundraiser set

Supporters of Corri Diane Fetman's countywide judicial bid have launched a campaign website on her behalf. That's a link to the site in the preceding sentence; a link has also been added to the blog Sidebar.

Fetman's supporters have also arranged a fundraiser for their candidate on Thursday, February 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Moretti's Edison Park location, 6727 North Olmsted, Chicago.

Tickets for the event are $125 each, but sponsorships are available (Best Friend - $250, Supporter - $500, Patron - $1,000, Benefactor - $1,500, Sponsor - $2,500, Individual Host - $5,000, and $10,000 - Corporate Sponsor). To reserve tickets, visit this page of the candidate's campaign website.

Fetman's campaign bio notes that she grew up "in a violent home" and was "instilled... with intense determination and valuable survival skills at a very young age." The campaign bio notes that Fetman was raised by her "two strong, immigrant grandmothers who indoctrinated her with the will to be independent."

An honors graduate and Law Review member of the DePaul College of Law Class of 1988, Fetman has had her own practice since 1995, focusing "not only on divorce law but transactional, business litigation and corporate law." According to her campaign bio, Fetman's "most notable success in making her mark in the traditionally uptight world of legal marketing came in the form of an edgy advertisement campaign, 'Life’s Short. Get a Divorce.'" She subsequently became a regular advice columnist for Playboy, writing a monthly piece called "Lawyer of Love," offering "male readers professional guidance on sex, love, and the law," according to the campaign bio.

The campaign bio also notes that Fetman writes a column for the Fraternal Order of Police magazine and has served in "leadership roles with ISBA Women & the Law Council, ISBA Corporate Law Council and Women’s Board of the Holocaust Museum."

Campaign website launched for Judge Mike Gerber

A campaign website has been launched for Judge Mike Gerber. That's a link to the website in the preceding sentence; a link has been added to the blog Sidebar.

The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Gerber to the Lawrence vacancy in the 13th Subcircuit in December 2016. He is seeking the Republican nomination for this vacancy in the March primary.

A 1980 graduate of DePaul Law School, according to his campaign bio, Gerber was one of the longest serving Assistant State's Attorneys when he was elevated to the judiciary. He has also served as an instructor in business law in the College of Business and Management at the Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) since 1980, according to his campaign bio.

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Hat Tip to Olivia Stovicek of Injustice Watch for sending me a link to this site..

Feb. 24 fundraiser for Caroline Jamieson Golden

Supporters of Caroline Jamieson Golden's 4th Subcircuit candidacy are planning a Campaign Celebration and Fundraiser for Saturday, February 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Kenny's Irish Pub, 917 W. 55th Street, Countryside. Complimentary appetizers and drinks will be provided.

Tickets for the event are $40 each, but sponsorships are available (Bronze - $100, $250 - Silver, $500 - Gold). For further information, or to order tickets, email goldenforjudge@gmail.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Reception tomorrow evening for Jonathan Clark Green

A cocktail reception supporting the countywide judicial candidacy of Jonathan Clark Green (Clay vacancy) will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, February 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Rock Fusco & Connelly, LLC, 321 N. Clark Street, Suite 2200.

Rock Fusco partner Ioana Salajanu, who is running for the countywide Flanagan vacancy, will also be honored at tomorrow's reception.

The suggested contribution is $100.

For more information about the event, or to reserve a ticket, email BBucaro@rfclaw.com or james@lasallestrategies.com

Feb. 22 fundraiser for Lindsay Hugé

Supporters of Lindsay Hugé's 8th Subcircuit candidacy are planning a fundraiser for Thursday, February 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Fadó Irish Pub, 100 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago.

Hon. Ken Fletcher, Jeanne Bishop, Jack Lydon, Tracy Stevenson, Steve Saltzman, John Holden, Erica Greene, and Trisha Rich are hosting this event.

Tickets are priced at $75 each, but sponsorships are available for $125 or $250. For more information, or to reserve tickets, email james@lasallestrategies.com.

Feb. 27 Campaign Countdown Reception for Judge Stephanie Saltouros

Supporters of Judge Stephanie Saltouros are staging a Campaign Countdown Reception for their candidate on Tuesday, February 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Plymouth Grill & Rooftop Bar, 327 S. Plymouth Court. Illinois State Rep. (and Saltouros campaign chair) Robert F. Martwick, Jr. is hosting the event.

Tickets are available for $100 each, but sponsorships are available ($500 - Host, $1,000 - Sponsor, $2,500 - Patron, $5,000 - Chair). For more information, or to reserve tickets, email kellymarie@kmmconsulting.com or call (937) 271-4194.

Early voting delayed until February 21 in Chicago

From a press release issued yesterday by the Chicago Board of Elections:

Although Feb. 8, 2018 was the new statutory starting date for Early Voting, there remain ongoing cases involving objections to candidates’ petitions. As a result, ballots are not ready, and the programming and testing of voting equipment cannot be completed by Feb. 8. The Board of Election Commissioners anticipates that balloting systems will be fully tested and available by Feb. 21, if not sooner.

Objections to certain countywide and statewide candidates’ nominating petitions were resolved recently or still are being resolved. Programming and testing of the equipment in the city’s more than 1,000 ballot variations in four languages is still under way.

The Board will update the Early Voting schedule at chicagoelections.com as soon as possible. Any voters who arrive at the Chicago Election Board to use Early Voting in the meantime will be provided with an application to Vote By Mail. Chicago voters also may apply online to Vote By Mail at chicagoelections.com.

When in-person Early Voting begins, the program will be offered:

• Through March 4 only at the Chicago Election Board annex at 16 W. Adams St.
• From March 5 through March 19, at 51 sites across the city.

This year marks the second time that Early Voting was scheduled to begin 40 days before a Primary Election. A similar delayed start to Early Voting occurred for the same reasons ahead of the 2016 Primary Election. Before 2016, Early Voting began 15-22 days before Election Day.

Gary Seyring website launched, fundraiser tomorrow night

Supporters of Gary Seyring have launched a campaign website supporting his bid for the Republican nomination for the Crane vacancy in the 13th Subcircuit. That's a link to Seyring's campaign website in the preceding sentence; a link has also been added to the blog Sidebar as well.

Seyring's campaign is also planning a fundraiser for their candidate tomorrow evening, Wednesday, February 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Tradition Gastro Pub, 160 N. Franklin, Chicago. Tickets are $100 each, and sponsorships are available (Bronze - $150, Silver - $250, Gold - $500, Platinum - $1,000). For more information about the event, or to reserve tickets, email seyringforjudge@gmail.com or call Brendan at (847) 750-6214. Tickets are also available on this page of the Seyring campaign website.

Brookins out. Again.

In action taken yesterday afternoon, the Cook County Officers Electoral Board sustained objections to the nominating petitions of 21st Ward Ald. Howard B. Brookins, Jr. in case no. 17 COEB JUD 60.

This action followed the Board's February 1 decision, in case no. 17 COEB JUD 61, that sustained a separate set of objections to Brookins' nominating petitions.

Pending any possible contrary court decision, Brookins is no longer a candidate for the Valarie Turner vacancy in the 2nd Subcircuit.

Also on February 1, the Electoral Board sustained objections to the petitions of Nyshana Kali Sumner. With both Sumner and Brookins off the ballot, the only two candidates left for that vacancy are Arthur Wesley Willis and former Judge Devlin Schoop.

Yesterday, the Electoral Board also overruled objections to the nominating petitions of 10th Subcircuit Candidate Noreen Patricia Connolly (Suriano vacancy). Five candidates remain in that race after ballot challenges. Colleen Reardon Daly, the Democratic Party's endorsed candidate, and Judge Gerald Cleary face opposition from Connolly, Jill Rose Quinn, and Thomas J. Gabryszewski.

But let's return to the Brookins cases.

Like any subcircuit candidate, Brookins needed 1,000 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.

In case number 17 COEB JUD 61, the hearing officer found that Brookins filed petitions containing 3,577 signatures. But the objectors in that case, Hobson and Veals, made objections to 3,129 of those signatures and 2,828 of these were sustained -- leaving Brookins, by this reckoning, with only 749 valid signatures.

In case number 17 COEB JUD 60, the hearing officer found that Brookins' petitions contained 3,576 signatures. The decision does not specify how many total signatures were challenged by the objector (in this case, Marjan) but 2,974 of these objections were sustained -- leaving Brookins with only 602 signatures deemed valid.

One lesson to be drawn from this is that the evaluation of petition signatures is more art than science. But I think there are some other lessons here, and I hope to turn to these in a future post.

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Note: I again acknowledge the host of comments that I didn't publish regarding Brookins' fate. A great many predicted -- correctly, as it turns out -- the disposition of these challenges. One of these provided the exact numbers found in one of these cases. (On the other hand, one anonymous accused me of 'suppressing' the news in re Brookins -- and of being 'bought' by Mayor Emanuel. I have no idea what the mayor has to do with any of this... but, then, I'm no politician.)

Scott J. Frankel: In his own words

Scott J. Frankel is a candidate for the Kennedy vacancy in the 11th Subcircuit. His punch number is 152.

I have been rated “Highly Qualified” by the Chicago Bar Association, and I believe that I am extremely well-qualified to hold the office of Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Since graduating law school. I have worked in a large corporate law firm, the Cook County Public Defender’s Office and as a private attorney in a two-person law firm. I have substantial trial experience involving criminal as well as civil matters.

I graduated from Ohio State Law School with Honors, and was Editor-in Chief of the Ohio State Law Journal. I began my legal career as a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge David S. Porter in the Southern District of Ohio and was able to view the workings of a Federal courtroom. After the clerkship I joined the law firm Mayer Brown and Platt as an associate. At Mayer Brown, I participated in litigating complex commercial disputes as well as a variety of smaller matters. I prepared and argued motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment, prepared written discovery and participated in depositions.

After Mayer Brown, I changed paths and joined the Cook County Public Defender’s Office where I handled misdemeanors and felonies. I have been in private practice since 1992, handling retained and appointed matters in Federal and State courts.

In private practice, I have been lead counsel in the most complex matters litigated in criminal court, including RICO gang cases, capital murder cases, and fraud cases involving tens of millions of dollars in alleged losses. In addition, I have handled many less complex matters including traffic cases and misdemeanors. In addition to trial work, I have handled post-conviction matters, federal habeas corpus cases, appeals to the Illinois Appellate Court and appeals to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. I have handled two matters that were appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court, an appeal in a capital post-conviction petition, and a forgery matter. Both Supreme Court cases resulted in victories for my clients. I have also handled or had involvement in a variety of civil litigation matters, including civil rights cases.

I therefore have substantial experience in Federal and State courts, in criminal law and civil law. I have appeared in multiple federal courthouses, including the Northern District of Illinois, the Northern District of Indiana, and the Central District of Illinois, among others. In State court I have appeared in every courthouse in Cook County, including the Daley Center. I have also handled matters outside Cook County, including in DuPage, McHenry and Kane counties as well as Livingston County and McClean County. I have appeared before hearing officers in town halls, and recently represented a small business in a license matter before a panel of the Oak Park Village Board of Trustees.

I live in the diverse community of Oak Park, where my children attended public schools. I have been active in my community, and I currently volunteer with Housing Forward, preparing and distributing lunches to homeless individuals.

I have a deep perspective and broad frame of reference for understanding how courtrooms operate. I have observed many judges and fully appreciate the skill, patience and courtesy required to be a successful judge. My experiences have given me a deep reverence for the courtroom and the justice system. Because I have represented individuals in so many different courtrooms and such a variety of cases, I understand that every decision and ruling has the potential to profoundly affect a person’s life. For all these reasons, I believe that I am highly qualified to be a judge.

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Click here to return to Organizing the Data: 11th Subcircuit - Kennedy Vacancy

Fundraiser tomorrow night for Judge Oran F. Whiting

Supporters of Judge Oran F. Whiting's countywide judicial bid are planning a fundraiser for their candidate tomorrow, February 6, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., at Volare Ristorante Italiano, 201 E. Grand Ave. The host committee for tomorrow's function includes Richard Donofrio, the owner of Save Wave Energy; Benny Siddu, the owner of Volare Ristorante Italiano; and Dr. Richard Chaifetz, the owner of ComPsych Corporation.

Tickets for the event are $250 each, but sponsorships are available for $500, $1,000, $2,500 or $5,000. For more information about the event, email Samantha Ellison at campaign@judgewhiting.com or call (773) 669-8195.

IVI-IPO makes endorsements in various judicial races

The Independent Voters of Illinois - Independent Precinct Organization has announced endorsements in some, but not all, Cook County judicial races for the upcoming March primary.

These endorsements are not yet listed on the IVI-IPO website, but per email received from the IVI-IPO, FWIW can report that the organization made the following endorsements (note that all candidates listed are running in the Democratic Primary; no judicial candidates were endorsed in any Republican contest):

Countywide Races

Brewer vacancy - Kathryn Maloney Vahey
Dooling vacancy - Timothy John Leeming
Jordan vacancy - Jerry Barrido
McGinnis vacancy - Bradley R. Trowbridge

Subcircuit Races

1st Subcircuit (Hambright vacancy) - Litricia Payne

2nd Subcircuit (Lampkin vacancy) - Fredrick H. Bates
2nd Subcircuit (Laws vacancy) - William H. Laws
2nd Subcircuit (Willis vacancy) - Debra A. Seaton

5th Subcircuit (Banks vacancy) - H. Yvonne Coleman
5th Subcircuit (Jones vacancy) - Marian Emily Perkins
5th Subcircuit (Washington II vacancy) - Robert Harris

6th Subcircuit (Chevere vacancy) - Kent Delgado
6th Subcircuit (Cooke vacancy) - Charles "Charlie" Beach
6th Subcircuit (Lopez Cepero vacancy) - Stephanie K. Miller

8th Subcircuit (Fabri vacancy) - James "Jamie" Shapiro
8th Subcircuit (Liu vacancy) - Lindsay Huge
8th Subcircuit (Pethers vacancy) - Jeanne Marie Wrenn


10th Subcircuit (O'Neill Burke vacancy) - Lorraine Murphy
10th Subcircuit (Suriano vacancy) - Jill Rose Quinn

11th Subcircuit (Kennedy vacancy) - Joanne F. Rosado

12th Subcircuit (Maki vacancy) - Joel Chupack

Friday fundraiser for Ioana Salajanu

Supporters of Ioana Salajanu's countywide judicial bid are planning a fundraiser for their candidate on Friday, February 2, from 8:00 p.m. to midnight, at the Stan Mansion, 2408 N. Kedzie Blvd., Chicago.

All tickets include complimentary food. Laura Bretan, the Romanian-American opera singer, winner of Romania's Got Talent and a 6th place finisher in America's Got Talent, will perform.

Tickets for the event are $100 each (children will be admitted for $25 and students for $50). Sponsorships are available (Friend - $250, Supporter - $500, Sponsor - $1,000, and Host - $5,000). For more information, or to reserve tickets, email Andra Stanciu. Tickets are also available online at https://actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/mansionmasquerade.

Electoral Board resolves objections against several more judicial candidates

At its meeting Monday afternoon, the Cook County Officers Electoral Board voted to overrule objections made to the nominating petitions of Shay Tyrone Allen. Allen is a candidate for the Washington, II vacancy in the 5th Subcircuit. His opponents are Judge Robert Harris, who was recently appointed to that position by the Illinois Supreme Court, and Mary Alice Melchor, who previously survived a challenge to her nominating petitions.

In other actions concerning judicial candidates taken Monday afternoon, the Electoral Board allowed objections to be withdrawn as to 6th Subcircuit candidates Edward J. Underhill (Cooke vacancy) and Sean Patrick Kelly (Chevere vacancy).

Underhill is now cleared to challenge Judge Charles "Charlie" Beach, who was recently appointed to the Cooke vacancy by the Illinois Supreme Court. A challenge to the petitions of a third candidate, Andrea Michelle Webber, remains pending.

Kelly's opponents in the race for the Chevere vacancy are David C. Herrera and Judge Kent Delgado.

The Electoral Board also approved motions to withdraw objections to the candidacies of Bradley R. Trowbridge (countywide McGinnis vacancy), Gwendolyn D. Anderson (5th Subcircuit, Banks vacancy), and Arthur Wesley Willis (2nd Subcircuit, Valarie Turner vacancy).

In the race for the Valarie Turner vacancy, only former Judge Devlin Schoop and now Willis are guaranteed to appear on the ballot. Objections remain pending as to the candidacies of both Nyshana Kali Sumner and 21st Ward Ald. Howard B. Brookins, Jr. It appears as if the Electoral Board will resolve objections as to these candidates at its meeting tomorrow, February 1. (Meanwhile, FWIW acknowledges receipt of increasingly confident predictions about the fates of these two candidates from anonymous sources. Yes, I'm deliberately holding these back. We'll know soon enough if you're right -- and I'll be pleased to acknowledge it if you are, OK?)

Jeanne Marie Wrenn appointed to new 8th Subcircuit vacancy

The Illinois Supreme Court has appointed Jeanne Marie Wrenn to a brand new 8th Subcircuit vacancy.

The appointment, which is effective February 7, will terminate on December 7, 2020 -- unless, of course, Wrenn succeeds in her current bid for the 8th Subcircuit Pethers vacancy. (The vacancy to which Wrenn is being appointed was created by the retirement of Judge John J. Fleming.)

Prior to her appointment, Wrenn served as Senior Director and General Counsel at the National Safety Council. Before that, Wrenn worked as Ethics and EEO Officer for PACE. She has been licensed as an attorney in Illinois since 2003, beginning her career in the office of the Cook County State's Attorney. After service in the Traffic and Narcotics Divisions, Wrenn was assigned to the Legislative Unit, acting as a legislative liaison to the Illinois General Assembly, rising to Supervisor from December 2008 until she joined PACE. Wrenn made the associate judge short list in 2016.

February 21 fundraiser set for Judge Kent Delgado

Supporters of Judge Kent Delgado's 6th Subcircuit candidacy have announced a fundraiser for their candidate on Wednesday, February 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Frontier, 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.

Tickets for the event are $100 each, but government employees will be admitted for $50. Sponsorships are also available (Neighbor - $250, Friend - $500, Patron - $1,000, Benefactor - $2,500). For more information, or to reserve tickets, email jaclyn@cfoconsults.com.

Reggi, Golden endorsed in 4th Subcircuit

Multiple sources have confirmed that the Democratic Committeemen in the 4th Subcircuit met yesterday for an endorsement session, choosing to back Martin D. Reggi for the Riley vacancy and Caroline Jamieson Golden for the Davy vacancy.

In making these endorsements, 4th Subicircuit committeemen bypassed the judges appointed to those vacancies by the Illinois Supreme Court, David R. Navarro (Davy vacancy) and John Andrew O'Meara (Riley vacancy). Navarro is Golden's only opponent for the Davy vacancy. In addition to Reggi and O'Meara, Elizabeth Ciaccia-Lezza and Danny Collins are seeking the Riley vacancy.

Friday fundraiser for Thomas F. McGuire

OK, sure, he's in an uncontested race.

But even uncontested candidates have campaign expenses, especially when they're slated, and, for that very practical reason, supporters of Thomas F. McGuire's countywide candidacy have scheduled a fundraiser for Friday, February 2, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., at Café la Cave, 2777 Mannheim Rd., Des Plaines.

Tickets are $50 each, but sponsorships are available (Bronze Host - $150, Silver Host - $250, Gold Host - $500, Platinum Host - $1,000, and Chair - $2,500). For more information about the event, or to reserve tickets, contact Maria R. Sandoval-Raygoza at (847) 825-7744 or email mcguireforjudge@gmail.com.

Scott J. Frankel campaign website goes live

Supporters of Scott J. Frankel's 11th Subcircuit candidacy have launched a campaign website on his behalf. That's a link to the site in the preceding sentence; a link has been added to the blog Sidebar as well.

Licensed as an attorney in Illinois since 1987, according to ARDC, Frankel currently practices with the firm of Frankel and Cohen, handling criminal defense, civil rights, and employment matters, according to the law firm website.

According to his campaign bio, Frankel received his undergraduate degree from Oberlin College and his law degree from the Ohio State Law School (where he served as editor-in-chief of the Ohio State Law Journal). After clerking for a federal district court judge, Frankel worked for Mayer Brown before moving to the Cook County public defender’s office. He has had his own practice since 1992. His campaign bio notes that he has logged more than 50 jury trials in state and federal courts.

Frankel resides in Oak Park with his wife and two children; his daughter is currently enrolled at Oberlin College, according to the campaign bio.

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Hat Tip to Olivia Stovicek of Injustice Watch for sending me a link to this site around the same time I heard from the Frankel campaign. Stovicek sent me some other links as well, which will be covered in an upcoming post.

Stand down from red alert: Associate judge process to "reconvene" in April

As promised -- herewith the updated information just provided by Pat Milhizer, Director of Communications for Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans --

The Nominating Committee of the Circuit Court of Cook County decided today to reconvene the Associate Judge selection process in April.

The Nominating Committee took this action to avoid overlap with the March primary in which several applicants for Associate Judge are also running for Circuit Judge, and to avoid a scheduling conflict with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts’ mandatory Education Conferences that judges will attend in February and April.

While Circuit Judges are elected by the public, Associate Judges are appointed by the Circuit Judges in a selection process conducted by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. For this selection process, Circuit Judges will see 34 names on their ballots and will select 17 candidates. The 17 candidates who receive the most votes will become Associate Judges.

A total of 272 licensed attorneys originally submitted applications for consideration for the 17 Associate Judge vacancies and underwent evaluations by several bar associations. The bar associations’ evaluations concluded in December.

This month, the Nominating Committee interviewed 248 applicants, as 20 withdrew from the process and four did not appear for their interviews. Interviews concluded today, and the Nominating Committee will reconvene in April to select 34 finalists.

All Circuit Judges who will vote in the Associate Judge selection process must attend one of two state-mandated judicial education conferences on February 5-9 and April 9-13. If the Nominating Committee was to move forward with selecting the Associate Judge finalists, the timing of the conference would limit the Circuit Judges’ ability to personally meet with the 34 would-be Associate Judge finalists before the Circuit Judges cast their ballots.

Now everybody go back to work....

Electoral Board overrules objections in several cases

Michael B. Barrett will apparently appear on the ballot in the race for the Scully, Jr. vacancy in the 15th Subcircuit. In action taken this morning, the Cook County Officers Electoral Board voted to accept a hearing officer's recommendations overruling the objections made to Barrett's petitions.

Barrett's opponent in the race for the Scully, Jr. vacancy is Ashonta Rice-Akiwowo. A third candidate, Rivanda Doss Beal, was recently removed from the ballot in that race.

The Electoral Board found that, despite various objections, Barrett retained enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Also surviving challenges to the their petitions, per Electoral Board action today, were 2nd Subcircuit candidate Sheree D. Henry (Willis vacancy), 5th Subcircuit candidate Marian Emily Perkins (Jones vacancy), and 3rd Subcircuit candidate Michael Hayes. In each case, the number of valid signatures was an issue. In each case, the candidates were found to have sufficient valid signatures to remain on the ballot.

Henry's one opponent for the Willis vacancy is Judge Debra A. Seaton. Judge Perkins, who holds the Jones vacancy in the 5th Subcircuit pursuant to Supreme Court appointment, faces challenges from Jenetia Marshall and David L. Kelly. Hayes will face two opponents in his 3rd Subcircuit bid, Judge Patrick Thomas Stanton and Kevin Patrick Cunningham.

In other action this morning, the Electoral Board agreed to the withdrawal of challenges to the candidacies of two candidates for the Liu vacancy in the 8th subcircuit, Judge Michael A. Forti (who holds this seat pursuant to appointment by the Supreme Court) and Cyrus Hosseini. Also seeking the Liu vacancy are Lindsay Hugé and Athena A. Farmakis.

Challenges remain pending against several more judicial hopefuls. The Electoral Board's next meeting is set for Monday afternoon.

I don't know yet whether this is fake news but...

Multiple sources have contacted FWIW in the last week or so to advise that the current associate judge selection process has been greatly accelerated and that the 'short list' might be forthcoming at almost any time. My sources seem to be zeroing in on tomorrow for the announcement, but I heard from someone this morning who'd been told the announcement might even be made today.

I put a call in first thing this morning to Pat Milhizer, the Director of Communications for Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans, seeking confirmation of these swirling rumors, but I have not yet heard back. If and when I do, I will update this post, or put up a new one, as may be appropriate.

UPDATE:There is no short list coming out this month. There will be no short list until April at the earliest. See this post for details.

And then there were four....

Chelsey R. Robinson has dropped out of the race for the Valarie Turner vacancy in the 2nd Subcircuit, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

Robinson, who was facing a ballot challenge, is the second candidate to bow out of this race in the last couple of weeks (Ubi O'Neal dropped out on January 8).

Four candidates remain, though challenges remain pending against three of them, Arthur Wesley Willis, Howard B. Brookins, Jr., and Nyshana Kali Sumner. The fourth candidate is former Judge Devlin Schoop.

Responsible disposition of used Christmas lights

It's an annual dilemma. The Three Kings have come and gone and the tree is finally down -- wait a minute... your Christmas decorations are still up? Better have them down, at the latest, by Candlemas (a/k/a the Feast of the Presentation or, more popularly, Groundhog's Day) or even the neighbors that are still talking to you will sign the petitions....

**Restarting.**

It's an annual dilemma. The Three Kings have come and gone and the tree is finally down and the decorations returned to the attic or to the garage -- all of them, that is, but the string or two of lights that failed when the decorations were taken out of storage or somewhere else along the way. Hopefully not just after you finished intertwining the 100 bulb light string into the tree branches -- not with the kids or grandkids listening in --

Anyway, you've got these lights that don't work any longer. And you don't want to consign them to a landfill. Is there any place where the dead lights can be taken?

Evanston residents can recycle holiday lights through January 31 at three different locations (click here for details).

Residents of the western suburbs can click here for locations (some locations may have already stopped accepting dead light strings, so click or call before showing up).

The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) also has a long list of locations where used lights may be dropped off. Check the dates and hours for each location; these vary widely. Garland, live greens, wreaths or other non-recyclables are not accepted in this program. Elgin Recycling is processing the material.

And, as far as I have been able to determine, Chicago residents, like me, are reduced to sneaking into an adjacent suburb. Hopefully, I won't get carded....

Two more candidates removed from ballot

According to Illinois State Board of Elections website, the objections to Rivanda Doss Beal's nominating petitions have been sustained and, pending any possible judicial reversal, she has been removed from the race for the Scully, Jr. vacancy in the 15th Subcircuit.

Two candidates remain in that race, Ashonta Rice-Akiwowo and Michael B. Barrett. As of this morning, according to the Cook County Clerk's website, an objection to Barrett's candidacy remains pending.

Also removed from the ballot, per the ISBE website, was countywide hopeful Mary A. Lopez (Clay vacancy).

These two candidates were removed pursuant to action taken yesterday afternoon by the Cook County Electoral Board. The decisions of the Board concerning these two candidates had not been posted as this post was completed. The disappointed candidates have five days in which to file petitions for judicial review in the Cook County Circuit Court.

Remaining in the race for the Clay vacancy are Kathaleen Theresa Lanahan, Jonathan Clark Green, Michael I. O'Malley, and Lori Ann Roper. Objections to Roper's candidacy were previously withdrawn.

Martin D. Reggi fundraiser set for January 25

Supporters of Martin D. Reggi's 4th Subcircuit candidacy are planning a fundraiser for their candidate on Thursday, January 25, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., at Tapp City, 6709 West 26th Street in Berwyn. Appetizers will be served and there will be live music and an open bar.

Tickets for the event are $100, but sponsorships are available (Patron - $250, Supporter - $500, and Sponsor - $1,000). For more information about the event, or to order tickets, email reggiforjudge@gmail.com.

Moore withdraws from countywide McGinnis race

Per the Illinois Board of Elections website, Marcellus H. Moore, Jr. has withdrawn his candidacy for the countywide McGinnis vacancy.

Moore's withdrawal leaves three candidates in that race, Brian Terrence Sexton, Peter Michael Gonzalez, and Bradley R. Trowbridge.

An objection to Trowbridge's candidacy was filed with the Cook County Electoral Board, and the Cook County Clerk's website shows, as of this posting, that a decision on Trowbridge's ballot status is still pending. The pending decision may be favorable to Trowbridge's hopes, given that the Gonzalez campaign recently circulated an email suggesting that their candidate will face two opponents in March.

Judge Elizabeth A. Karkula removed from the ballot

In an order entered last Friday, January 18, the Cook County Electoral Board removed Judge Elizabeth A. Karkula from the March 20 primary ballot.

Unless a successful court challenged is filed against this decision, Judge Karkula will not appear on the ballot for the 8th Subcircuit Fabri vacancy.

In its January 18 action, the Board adopted Hearing Officer Christopher J. Argrella's recommended decision sustaining objections to 1,856 of the 2,687 total signatures filed with Karkula's nominating petitions, leaving her with 169 signatures less than the 1,000 required.

The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Karkula to the countywide Rooney vacancy in January 2016, but she was passed over by Democratic slatemakers last August, designated as the Democratic Party's fourth alternate selection. Only three additional vacancies opened up, however.

Five candidates remain in the race for the Fabri vacancy: Former Judge James "Jamie" Shapiro, Stephen J. Feldman, Judge Robin Denise Shofner (who holds the seat pursuant to appointment by the Illinois Supreme Court), John Christopher Benson, and Bonnie C. McGrath (who recently survived a challenge to her nominating petitions). This is the first mention of Benson's candidacy here and that is a link to Benson's campaign website in the preceding sentence. A link has been added to blog Sidebar as well.

January 25 fundraiser for Judge John A. O'Meara

Supporters of Judge John A. O'Meara's 4th Subcircuit campaign are hosting a reception for their candidate on Thursday, January 25, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., in the downstairs banquet room at Petterino's, 150 N. Dearborn (use the Randolph Street entrance). Hors d'eouvres and beverages will be provided. Joseph R. Curcio and Curcio Law Offices are the hosts for this event.

Tickets are $100 each, but sponsorships are available (Bronze - $250, Silver - $500, Gold - $1,000). Judges will be admitted gratis. For more information, or to reserve tickets, email events@VoteJudgeOmeara.com or call Martina Smith at (708) 668-3116.

Athena Farmakis website goes live; February 1 fundraiser set

Supporters of Athena Farmakis's bid for the Liu vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit have established a campaign website on her behalf. That's a link to the site in the preceding sentence; a link has also been added to the blog Sidebar.

Licensed as an attorney in Illinois since 1993, according to ARDC, Farmakis has been with the State's Attorney's Office for her entire legal career. Currently, according to her campaign bio, Farmakis is a supervisor in the Preliminary Hearings Unit of the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau. Her campaign bio stresses that Farmakis has "spent nearly one-third of her career as a line assistant and supervisor implementing the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice in prosecuting minors for criminal offenses while serving in the Juvenile Justice Division of the Juvenile Justice Bureau."

A Chicago area native, according to her campaign bio, Farmakis is a graduate of Northwestern University and the DePaul University College of Law. She currently serves as vice president of her condominium association in Lincoln Park. Farmakis volunteers at animal shelters and has also been active in the Women's Bar Association and Hellenic Bar Association, currently serving as an officer of the HBA. She has previously chaired the HBA'sJudicial Evaluation, Law Day and Career Corner committees. Farmakis also served on the Diversity Scholarship Foundation’s scholarship committee and on the Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board, according to her campaign bio.

Farmakis's supporters have planned a fundraiser for their candidate on Thursday, February 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Athena Restaurant, 212 S. Halsted. Tickets for the event are $100 apiece, but sponsorships are available (Silver - $250, Gold - $500, Platinum - $1,000, and Chairman - $2,500). For more information, to to order tickets, email info@athenaforjudge.com or call Frank at (312) 985-6529.

Keith L. Spence campaign website goes online

Supporters of Keith L. Spence, a candidate for the countywide Hartigan vacancy, have set up a campaign website on his behalf. That's a link to the site in the preceding sentence; a link has also been added to the blog Sidebar.

Licensed as an attorney since 1999, according to ARDC, Spence maintains a law office in Matteson, practicing primarily in the areas of criminal defense, domestic relations, and real estate. A former trial attorney with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, according to his campaign bio, Spence also sits as an administrative law judge for the Village of Matteson. He previously served as an ALJ for the Village of Dolton.

A native South Sider, Spence is a graduate of Percy L. Julian High School and Southern Illinois University. Before attending law school (he graduated from John Marshall in 1999), Spence worked for over a decade as an executive producer with ABC/WLS-AM. Spence lives in Matteson with his wife and two sons.

Some candidates stay on the ballot, others go

The Illinois State Board of Elections website reports that Antoinette D. Weston withdrew from the 3rd Subcircuit race yesterday. Three others remain in that race, Judge Patrick Thomas Stanton, Michael Hayes, and Kevin Patrick Cunningham. An objection to Hayes' candidacy remains pending.

Ubi O'Neal withdrew from the race for the Valarie Turner vacancy in the 2nd Subcircuit on January 8. Yesterday, according to the ISBE website, he was also removed from the race for the 2nd Subcircuit Willis vacancy.

On the other hand, the objection to Erika Orr's 1st Subcircuit candidacy was overruled by the Cook County Electoral Board on January 9. Absent the filing of petition for judicial review in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Orr is now free to proceed with her challenge to Judge Litricia Payne in the race for the Hambright, Jr. vacancy.

In other action taken by the Electoral Board on January 9, a challenge to the candidacy of Judge H. Yvonne Coleman (who is seeking the Banks vacancy in the 5th Subcircuit) was overruled, as were challenges to the candidacies of Bonnie McGrath (8th Subcircuit, Fabri vacancy) and Danny Collins (4th Subcircuit, Riley vacancy).

Two January fundraisers set for Judge Preston Jones, Jr.

Supporters of Judge Preston Jones, Jr.'s campaign are planning two fundraisers for their candidate this month.

The first of these is set for Tuesday, January 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Billy Goat Tavern, 1535 W. Madison St. Lisa Boughton, Ed Koziboski, Pete Benesh, and Tom Sianis are co-hosting this event. Tickets are $50 each, but sponsorships are available ($75 - Friend, $100 - Champion).

The second Jones fundraiser is set for Wednesday, January 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the offices of Loevy & Loevy, 311 N. Aberdeen, 3rd Floor. Eileen Dordek and Jon Loevy are co-hosting. Tickets for this event are $150 each and sponsorships are also available (Friend - $200, Champion - $250).

For more information about either event, or to order tickets, email prestonjonesforjudge@gmail.com or call Sara at (312) 523-8863.

Chicago Federation of Labor announces Cook County judicial endorsements

The Chicago Federation of Labor has announced its endorsements for the forthcoming primary.

In countywide judicial races, the CFL followed the Democratic slate entirely. However, not all subcircuit candidates claiming Democratic Party support also received the CFL endorsement. Also, the CFL made no endorsement for the late-opening Valarie Turner vacancy in the 2nd Subcircuit, for the Maki vacancy in the 12th Subcircuit, or for any of the 13th Subcircuit vacancies.

Herewith the complete list of the CFL's Cook County judicial endorsements:

Countywide Races

Oran F Whiting - Brewer Vacancy
Jonathan Clark Green - Clay Vacancy
Tom Sam Sianis - Dooling Vacancy
Thomas F. McGuire - Dunford Vacancy
Rosa Maria Silva - Egan Vacancy
Preston Jones Jr. - Flanagan Vacancy
Cecilia Anne Horan - Hartigan Vacancy
Clare Joyce Quish - Jordan Vacancy
Peter Michael Gonzales - McGinnis Vacancy
Jack Hagerty - Rooney Vacancy

Subcircuit Races

Litricia Payne - 1st Subcircuit, Hambright, Jr. Vacancy

Fredrick H. Bates - 2nd Subcircuit, Lampkin Vacancy
Adrienne Elaine Davis - 2nd Subcircuit, Laws Vacancy
Toya T. Harvey - 2nd Subcircuit, Rhodes Vacancy
Travis Richardson - 2nd Subcircuit, Turner, Jr. Vacancy
Debra A. Seaton - 2nd Subcircuit, Willis Vacancy

Kevin Patrick Cunningham - 3rd Subcircuit, Delehanty Vacancy

Caroline Jamieson Golden - 4th Subcircuit, Davy Vacancy
Elizabeth Ciaccia-Lezza - 4th Subcircuit, Riley Vacancy

H. Yvonne Coleman - 5th Subcircuit, Banks Vacancy
Marian Emily Perkins - 5th Subcircuit, Jones Vacancy
Robert Harris - 5th Subcircuit, Washington, II Vacancy

Kent Delgado - 6th Subcircuit, Chevere Vacancy
Charles “Charlie” Beach - 6th Subcircuit, Cooke Vacancy
Linda Perez - 6th Subcircuit, Lopez Cepero Vacancy

Robin Schoffner - 8th Subcircuit, Fabri Vacancy
Michael A. Forti - 8th Subcircuit, Liu Vacancy
Jeanne Marie Wrenn - 8th Subcircuit, Pethers Vacancy

Stephanie Saltouros - 10th Subcircuit, O'Neill Burke Vacancy
Colleen Reardon Daly - 10th Subcircuit, Suriano Vacancy

Joanne F. Rosado - 11th Subcircuit, Kennedy Vacancy

Marina E. Ammendola - 14th Subcircuit, Garcia Vacancy

Michael Barrett - 15th Subcircuit, Scully, Jr. Vacancy
Anthony C. Swanagan - 15th Subcircuit, Zelezinski Vacancy

Gwyn E. Ward Brown campaign website goes live

I had mentioned, in this November 27 post, that Assistant Public Defender Gwyn E. Ward Brown had filed for the O'Neill Burke vacancy in the 10th Subcircuit. At the time, I noted that I'd not yet found any campaign website.

Ward Brown has a campaign website now. That's a link to the site in the preceding sentence; a link has also been added to the blog Sidebar. Ward Brown's campaign bio stresses her work handling post-conviction matters. She writes, "My work consists entirely of trying to free individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. The cases I work on include murder, attempted murder, and other felonies of that degree."

Her campaign bio also notes Ward Brown's active membership in AFSCME Council 31, Local 3315, where she has previously held the position of Steward. A graduate of Marquette undergrad and law school, Ward Brown and her husband have lived in the City of Chicago for nearly 30 years and have owned a home in the Mayfair/Albany Park neighborhood for almost 17 years. She has two daughters and a stepson and is a member of the LaSalle Street Church.

Campaign website found for David L. Kelly

Found on the Internet, the campaign website of David L. Kelly, candidate for the Jones vacancy in the 5th Subcircuit. That's a link to the site in the preceding sentence; a link has also been added to the blog Sidebar.

Kelly has been licensed as an attorney in Illinois since 2001, according to ARDC. His campaign bio notes that Kelly began his legal career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, serving there for more than 6 years. He thereafter set up his own firm in the Bronzeville area.

Kelly's campaign bio states that his practice focuses mainly on criminal defense and real estate, but says he also handles "family law, personal injury, and housing matters." Kelly has served as a board member of the Cook County Bar Association and the Bronzeville Neighborhood Collaborative, volunteered at legal aid clinics, and established local block clubs, according to his campaign bio.