Trolling in real life can be hazardous to one's liberty

According to Megan Crepeau's story, posted yesterday evening on the Chicago Tribune website ("Man charged with breaking judge's window with snowball ordered held without bond"), Michael Laurento has already admitted to investigators that he cussed out a judge and threw a 'snowball' through the window of her home. (I'm putting quote marks around 'snowball' because one would not expect your typical, run-of-the-mill snowball to break window glass. Perhaps if it were thrown by Matthew Stafford. At close range.)

Anyway, if Laurento really has admitted doing the things described in the Tribune article, he is about to find out the difference between trolling a judge online and in real life.

Trolling online doesn't always work. Sometimes killjoy, busybody bloggers flush the really 'good' comments. Trolling in real life eliminates that sort of interference. And there's the real and immediate satisfaction derived from driving by the judge in question, cursing her from the comfort and privacy of one's own car while the judge puts up a campaign sign (the judge in question, Stephanie Miller, is seeking to hold on to her 6th Subcircuit seat).

On the other hand, said judge could, and apparently did, jot down the license plate number of the troll-mobile. Anonymity compromised! And, as illustrated by the present case, the real-life troll does run the risk of being held, without bail, on two felony charges ("criminal damage to property and threatening a public official," according to the Tribune article), pending trial.

Second City Cop also has a post up today ("No bail?") about these incidents.

SCC's take, though, is a little different: The police blog riffs off Ms. Crepeau's lead (I was taught to write lede, not lead, but I've since been told that's just too pretentious). Crepeau wrote, "A Chicago man with only a misdemeanor supervision in his past was ordered held without bail Tuesday...." SCC suggests, without stating expressly, that a person with "only a misdemeanor supervision in his past" who did the things Mr. Laurento is accused of, but who did them to someone who was not a judge, would not have been charged with such serious offenses and would have received an 'affordable bail.' (Of course, one can't be charged with threatening a public official where one's victim is not a public official.)

But SCC is really talking about optics, not about whether there was strict adherence in this particular instance with General Order 18-8A. SCC concludes, "It certainly would be nice to see some consistency across the board in Cook County Courts and not simply based on who the victim happens to be."

Personally, I am entirely on board with the denial of bail to Mr. Laurento, particularly if, as Ms. Crepeau writes, he has admitted committing the acts in question.

On the other hand, I see SCC's point, too. Particularly where crime is soaring in the Loop and other once-'safe' areas of the City. (See, for example, ""Unthinkable": Loop Violent Crime Up 97%, But Rahm Has CUT The Number Of Cops There.") Where carjackings have surged throughout the Chicago area. (See, "CPD announces new joint task force to combat carjackings.") Where persons accused of carjacking are often returned to the streets within 24 hours. (See, Most juveniles charged with armed carjackings let go in 24 hours, records show.") And where at least one of those promptly released alleged carjackers was soon thereafter re-arrested in another stolen car -- and carrying a gun.

Whatever. The art or science of granting or denying bail, or setting the amount of bail, and the host of factors that are, or could or should be, considered in making these decisions, is well beyond the scope of this post.

But in one of those odd little coincidences that keeps us going, the regular assignment of the judge whose real-life troll was denied bail, is making bail determinations for others. (However, for the record, neither Judge Miller, nor any of her colleagues in the new Pretrial Division, had anything to do with denying Mr. Laurento bail; that determination was made by a different judge, specially assigned for the matter in question.)

Ubi O'Neal back on 2nd Subcircuit ballot

Ubi O'Neal is again a judicial candidate.

FWIW has received a copy of an Agreed Order entered yesterday by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Paul Karkula restoring O'Neal's candidacy for the Willis vacancy in the 2nd Subcircuit.

This order is now reflected on the ISBE website.

Judge Debra A. Seaton currently holds the Willis vacancy pursuant to Supreme Court appointment. Assistant Public Defender Sheree D. Henry is also seeking this vacancy. (I did not previously have Henry's campaign website listed; it has now been added to the blog Sidebar.)

Arthur Wesley Willis: In his own words

Arthur Wesley Willis is a candidate for the Valarie Turner vacancy in the 2nd Subcircuit. His punch number is 163.

I’m known to my family and good friends as Wes, I am a husband and father, who has dedicated his career to defending the rights of those in need.

I was born and raised in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Chicago’s South Side, the youngest of Sylvia and Frank’s six children. I followed in the footsteps of some of my siblings by attending the University of Illinois in Champaign. I was graduated from the College of Communications earning a Bachelor of Science degree in News-Editorial Journalism in 1991 and from the College of Law in 1994.

It was as a freshman undergrad at the U of I that I met my wife, Julie, whom I married while we were both students at University of Illinois’ College of Law. We have been married 24 years and have three children.

I'm the rare person who went through the expense of attending law school for the sole purpose of becoming a poorly paid Public Defender. It was while an undergrad that I decided to dedicate myself to a career of serving those with no voice and limited means. I believed then and to this day, that protecting the rights of the poor, ensures that we can all feel secure in the rights guaranteed us by our Constitution.

A man of faith, raised in the Lutheran Church, I believe that Christ, while living among us, was the ultimate public defender. My way of following Christ was to become one as well. I believe in following what Jesus said was the greatest commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and love your neighbor as yourself.” In my personal life I have done this as an elder and national delegate for my church, St. John’s, and I invite you to hear my next sermon when this is all over. I plan to talk to y’all for a long time about the shortest bible verse, “Jesus wept”.

As a Public Defender for over 23 years, I have tried all manner of cases. My colleagues and I in the Office have seen the worst our society has to offer. Yet I firmly believe everyone I come into contact with deserves to be treated with respect and compassion.

As a Public Defender I have been a staunch supporter of union rights, serving as a Union Steward and member of the Executive Board of AFSCME local 3315. As in my church life, I have served as a delegate to AFSCME’s national convention.

Serving as a Public Defender is not the only way I have been able to dedicate my professional experience to those in need. I have been able to do so through my work with MLER, as well. Minority Legal Educational Resources, or MLER, is a Bar Exam training program whose mission is to increase bar passage rates for minority law school graduates. Because of my belief in that mission, i served as both an instructor and board member for the organization for many years.

As a Judge I can reach out and serve even more people than I am able to as a Public Defender. I can make a positive impact on even more lives. I want to see that everyone who steps into a courtroom is stepping onto a level playing field. All should be treated fairly and with respect. Young, non-violent offenders should be granted the opportunity to turn their lives around and become productive members of society without the stigma of a felony conviction following them around for life. All crime victims should be compensated and drug addicts rehabilitated.

My one confusion is with what sort of tag to leave you with. Punch 163 doesn’t just have enough ‘something’ alone. I considered “What you talking about Willis”. Or even “Wes won’t take any mess”. My childhood friends suggested (hopefully in jest) Farty Arty.

All I can say is I will be Last on your ballot but hopefully First in your heart. Thank you. Punch 163!

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Click here to return to Organizing the Data: 2nd Subcircuit - Valarie Turner Vacancy

February 23 fundraiser for Judge Jeanne Wrenn

Supporters of Judge Jeanne Wrenn's 8th Subcircuit bid are planning an "evening of fun and music" on Friday, February 23, starting at 8:00 p.m., at Lizzie McNeill's, 400 N. McClurg Ct.

The Chancey Brothers will perform.

Tickets for the event are $50 each, or $100 per couple, and sponsorships are availalbe (Silver - $250, Gold - $500). The doors will not open to the public until 8:00 p.m. For more information about the event, or to reserve tickets, email james@lasallestrategies.com.

March 1 fundraiser for Judge Travis Richardson

Supporters of Judge Travis Richardson's 2nd Subcircuit campaign are planning a "Lawyers for Judge Travis Richardson" fundraiser on Thursday, March 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Billy Goat Tavern, 1535 W. Madison.

Tickets are $100 each (the Associate level) but sponsorships are available ($150 - Jr. Partner, $200 - Sr. Partner, $250 - Managing Partner).

Brendan Schiller and Tom Sianis are the Co-Chairs of this event. Serving as the Host Committee are Alex Breland, Nicholas Cummings, Elizabeth Darko-Murray, Yao Dinizulu, Boris Djulabic, Ellen Douglass, Hon. Ken Fletcher (Ret.), Rickey Ganderson, Jayne Ingles, Michael McMurray, Ramon Moore, Camilio Oceguera, Prof. Traci Porter, Timothy Ray, St. Sen. Elgie Sims (17th), Juan Thomas, and Luke Townsend.

For more information about the event, or to reserve tickets, email info@craticshaffer.com.

Two upcoming residential events for Judge Oran F. Whiting

Supporters of Judge Oran F. Whiting's bid to hold his countywide seat are planning a couple of fundraisers in private homes in the next couple of weeks.

The first of these is set for the Sheffield and DePaul neighborhood on Wednesday, February 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $150 each, but sponsorships are available ($250, $500, $1,000).

The second event will be in the River North neighborhood on Thursday, March 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tickets for this event are also $150 each with sponsorships of $250, $500, or $1,000 available.

For more information about either event, or to reserve tickets, call or email Samantha Ellison at (773) 669-8195 or campaign@judgewhiting.com.

Chicago FOP announces judicial endorsements for the upcoming primary

FWIW has confirmed that these judicial candidates have received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7, in the upcoming primary:

Countywide Races

John Maher (Brewer vacancy)
Michael I. O'Malley (Clay vacancy)
Tom Sam Sianis (Dooling vacancy)
Thomas F. McGuire (Dunford vacancy)
Amanda Moira Pillsbury* (Flanagan vacancy)
Cecilia Anne Horan (Hartigan vacancy)
Clare Joyce Quish (Jordan vacancy)
Brian Terrence Sexton (McGinnis vacancy)
Jack Hagerty (Rooney vacancy)

Subcircuit Races

Litricia Payne (1st Subcircuit, Hambright, Jr. vacancy)

Kevin Patrick Cunningham (3rd Subcircuit, Delehanty vacancy)

Caroline Jamieson Golden (4th Subcircuit, Davy vacancy)
Elizabeth Ciaccia-Lezza (4th Subcircuit, Riley vacancy)

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

Athena A. Farmakis (8th Subcircuit, Liu vacancy)
Jeanne Marie Wrenn (8th Subcircuit, Pethers vacancy)

Lorraine Murphy (10th Subcircuit, O'Neill Burke vacancy)
Colleen Reardon Daly (10th Subcircuit, Suriano vacancy)

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

Michael B. Barrett (15th Subcircuit, Scully, Jr. vacancy)

If you're keeping score at home, you will note the FOP made no endorsements in any of the many races in the 2nd and 5th Subcircuits. It also bypassed all races in the 12th and 13th Subcircuits, the race for the Fabri vacancy in the 8th Subcircuit, and the race for the Zelezinski vacancy in the 15th Subcircuit.
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* I found this candidate's campaign website while putting this post together. This is a link to same; a link has also been added to the blog Sidebar.

February 22 reception for Ketki "Kay" Steffen

Supporters of Ketki "Kay" Steffen's bid for the Crane vacancy in the 13th Subcircuit are planning a fundraiser on Thursday, February 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at La Tasca Tapas Restaurant, 25 West Davis Street, Arlington Heights. James Geocaris is the host for this event. Beer, wine, and light appetizers will be served.

Tickets for the event are $50 each (court personnel and government attorneys will be admitted for $30 each). Sponsorships are also available (Silver - $100, Gold - $250, Sponsor - $500). Tickets will be available at the door. For more information about the event, or to reserve tickets, email rsteffen@steffenlaw.net.

Pre-Presidents Day Fundraiser tomorrow for Judge Toya T. Harvey

Supporters of Judge Toya T. Harvey's 2nd Subcircuit bid are planning a fundraiser tomorrow afternoon, Sunday, February 18, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the Red Star Lounge, 5093 Sauk Trail, Richton Park.

Tickets are $25 each but sponsorships are available (Host - $100, Sponsor - $200). Robbins Mayor Tyrone Ward, Country Club Hills Mayor James Ford, Riverdale Mayor Lawrence Jackson, Crestwood Mayor Lou Presta, Dolton Mayor Riley Rogers, and Phoenix Mayor Terry Wells are the listed 'honorary event chairmen.'

Judge Hoya's supporters have also planned a post-Presidents Day event, on Tuesday, February 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the offices of Wardak Law, P.C., 333 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 2700. Wardak Law, P.C., Hamoda M. Mohamad, and Dunia Consulting Group, Inc. are hosting this recpetion.

Tickets for the February 20 reception are $40 each, but sponsorships are available ($250 - Silver Sponsor, $500 - Gold Sponsor, $1,000 - Diamond Sponsor).

For more information about either event, or to reserve tickets, email judgetoyaharvey@gmail.com.

Campaign website for Arthur Wesley Willis launched, fundraiser set

A campaign website has gone live for 2nd Subcircuit candidate Arthur Wesley Willis. That's a link to the site in the preceding sentence; a link has also been added to the blog Sidebar.

Willis's supporters are also planning a fundraiser for Monday, February 26, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Billy Goat Tavern, 1535 W. Madison St. Tickets are $50 each, but sponsorships are available (Sponsor - $100, VIP - $250). Tickets will be available at the door.

Illinois Supreme Court says no to Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown's latest attempt to slow-walk efiling

And before anyone squawks, yes, the Circuit Court of Cook County does have efiling. Sort of. It's just not yet compliant with the Supreme Court's requirements (Clerk Brown recently won an extension to July 1 to get our system in conformity).

Oh, and 'free' filing costs $3.95. Per document efiled.

Anyway, you may have seen Jordyn Reiland's article in the February 13 Law Bulletin, Judge won't budge: No stay on clerk’s press-access order (subscription required) (denying Clerk Brown's motion to stay compliance with his earlier order requiring the Clerk to make copies of court documents available to the public electronically just as soon as documents are filed).

The Supreme Court was made aware of Judge Kennelly's January 8 Order (it requires the Clerk to make all newly-efiled complaints available for the press even before internal 'processing' is complete). Apparently Clerk Brown tried to use her obligation to comply with that order as a basis to further delay coming into conformity with the Supreme Court's efiling requirements. Wednesday, however, the Supreme Court said no:

This cause coming to be heard on the petition of the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk for relief from certain orders of this court related to e-Filing on the grounds that such relief is necessary to permit her office to comply with the order entered by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew F. Kennelly in Courthouse News Services v. Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, 2018 U.S. Dist. Lexis 2816 (N.D. Ill. Jan. 8, 2018), and the Court being fully advised in the premises;

IT IS ORDERED that the petition is denied.

So the days of getting nicked $3.95 per document for 'free' filing are still numbered. For now, anyway.

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Updating to add: The Law Bulletin advises tonight that the 7th Circuit has stayed Judge Kennelly's order.

LiUNA announces endorsements in Cook County judicial races

The Construction & General Laborers District Council of Chicago & Vicinity (LiUNA) has announced its endorsements for the upcoming primary, including endorsements in almost all Cook County judicial races. (Click here for the complete endorsement list in .pdf form).

The Laborers have followed the Chicago Federation of Labor endorsements down the line. Thus, like the CFL, the Laborers 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.

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NB: I would like to include as many union endorsements as I can here. However, my problem in each election cycle is the same: Campaigns are quick to tell me that their candidate has been endorsed by the Butchers, Bakers and Candlestickmakers -- but I have a hard time getting a complete endorsement list from anyone. Many unions don't have updated websites or don't post endorsements if they do. I won't publish a union's endorsement of Smith unless I can get a list of all judicial endorsements made by that same group from some competent source.

In the past, when I've gotten complete lists, the results are sometimes verrrry interesting: Once, a union 'endorsed' nearly every judicial candidate in a crowded race. Other times, a union has endorsed Candidate A -- and it turns out that this was the only endorsement made, mainly because of some personal relationship between Candidate A and one or more officers of the local making the endorsement.

Readers, you can help me out by sending me endorsement lists to jackleyhane@yahoo.com or by leaving a comment here. Thanks.

February 22 fundraiser for David Studenroth

Supporters of David Studenroth's 12th Subcircuit judicial bid are throwing a fundraiser on February 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Flight Wine Bar, 1820 N. Tower Drive, Glenview.

Food, beer, and wine will be provided. Tickets are $100 each but sponsorships are available (Silver - $250, Gold - $500, Platinum - $1,000). For more information, or to reserve tickets, call Frank DiFranco at (847) 825-7744 or email difrancolaw@aol.com.

Birthday Bash fundraiser tonight for Judge Adrienne Elaine Davis

Supporters of Judge Adrienne Elaine Davis are marking her natal day -- today -- with a fundraiser, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the S2 Ultra Bar, 13053 S. Ashland Ave., Calumet Park.

Tickets are $50 each, but sponsorships are available ($150 - Supporter, $250 - Sponsor, $500 - Golden Sponsor). A buffet and complimentary cocktails will be provided. For more information, or to reserve tickets, email citizens4judgeadriennedavis@gmail.com.

February 22 fundraiser for Rishi Agrawal

Supporters of Risha Agrawal's 8th Subcircuit judicial bid are holding a fundraiser for their candidate on Thursday, February 22, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., at So-Well Dental Associates, 1122 N. Clark Street.

No, that's not the name of the Near North Side's newest theme bar; it really is a dentist's office. Zenobia Sowell and Congressman Danny Davis's Mult-Ethnic Advisory Task Force are the listed hosts for the affair.

Tickets are priced at $100 each, but sponsorships are available (Friend - $250, Benefactor - $500). X-rays will presumably cost extra.

For more information, or to reserve tickets, email RishiAgrawalforJudge@gmail.com.

Judicial candidate forum tomorrow evening at Logos Baptist Assembly

All Cook County judicial candidates are invited to appear at a candidate forum tomorrow evening, starting at 6:00 p.m., at Logos Baptist Assembly, 10833 S. Halsted.

Candidates must register in advance in order to participate. Email Ranoule@gmail.com or text or call (312) 671-6563.

If I can obtain more information about this in a timely fashion, I will update.

Judge Jessica A. O'Brien found guilty of mortgage fraud charges

Jon Seidel of the Chicago Sun-Times has the story.

Lessons learned from Electoral Board actions... could ballot access rules be relaxed?

Twenty-five years ago, when I was first circulating petitions to run for judge, it was tough getting people to open their front doors.

I had my poll sheets and my clipboard and my brochures---it was pretty obvious what I was up to---but, on porch after porch, after ringing the doorbell, I'd see the curtains or blinds move, just a little, and then... quite often... nothing happened. I'd wait awhile, awkwardly, hopefully. Then I'd move on.

It can't possibly be any easier today.

It seems like very time I see the news there's another story about someone impersonating a plumber, electric company employee, gas company employee -- whatever -- knocking on a door, bamboozling the homeowner into taking him to the basement or the yard while a confederate surreptitiously enters the house, scooping up electronics or jewelry.

Yeah, I know that has nothing to do with getting judicial candidates on the ballot. But you know what does? Every one of these stories ends with a police official warning viewers: Don't open your door. To anyone. Ever.

Now let me shift gears (I promise I can tie this up).

In this election cycle we have seen 21st Ward Ald. Howard Brookins knocked off the ballot because he couldn't scrounge up enough good signatures for a late-opening judicial vacancy. At the other end of the City, 50th Ward Committeeman Ira Silverstein nearly lost his bid for reelection to the State Senate before it began -- he reportedly had the same problem as Brookins (not enough signatures after a records examination), although I've read accounts indicating that Silverstein was able to rehabilitate just enough signatures to stay on the ballot.

These are the professionals, mind you. The Election Code was designed by the political professionals to get them on the ballot... and keep interlopers off.

I can't imagine ward committeemen or the sons of ward committeemen having trouble getting on the ballot in the days of Richard J. Daley. Unless, of course, they were troublemakers or malcontents from the 5th or 43rd Wards.

The pros knew how to get themselves---and those happy few who, for whatever reason, were chosen to fill out a ticket---on the ballot with a minimum of fuss. Professor Milton L. Rakove documented this in Don't Make No Waves, Don't Back No Losers (Indiana University Press, 1975). Da Late Mare supported Rakove's academic study of the Cook County Democratic Party to the point of giving him a place on the county ticket in 1970 (in a 'suicide squad' race for a suburban seat on the Cook County Board). Once anointed, though, Rakove realized that he had no idea how to get the signatures necessary to qualify for the ballot. He promptly repaired to party headquarters to ask Chairman Daley's office manager, Mary Mullen, what he should do. "She responded, pointing to a stack of petitions on a table, 'See that pile over there on that table? Those are your signatures, 8,000 names. This is an organization we are running here.'" (Don't Make No Waves..., p. 99, n. 1.)

In the Bad Old Days, Democratic Party committeemen had precinct captains ready and able to fan out across the county or any necessary part thereof to gather signatures for any vacancy, even if it just happened (*cough*cough*) to open up at the very last minute. The system worked... as designed... for those for whom it was designed to work.

In this election cycle, though, the system almost failed for one committeeman and didn't work for the son of another committeeman.

In Brookins' case, at least, part of the problem may have involved the use of paid circulators.

Paid circulators are most likely going to be folks drifting through the subway cars, approaching people in parking lots, walking through the tavern -- not the men or women carrying poll sheets and standing forlornly on your front porch. Which the police have warned you never to open. (See? I tied it up!)

There is nothing inherently wrong with paid circulators. I've signed petitions at the request of paid circulators on subway platforms and in parking lots and so, probably, have you. But, as the pros will tell you, the failure rate on signatures gathered in this manner is usually much greater than that for signatures gathered door to door. Paid circulators are like the bowl of Super Sugar Crunchies in an old TV ad: The announcer would caution that the cereal was part of a balanced breakfast -- and it was always shown with nutritious milk, and orange juice, and a grapefruit, and toast -- and the announcer never said how much a part. Whatever, even the cereal maker never claimed the cereal was itself a healthy meal.

If you're using paid circulators to supplement your own signature-gathering efforts, and the efforts of your family and friends, using the sheets provided by the paid circulators to add heft to your petitions and maybe scare off potential challengers, you're in good shape. If you're relying on paid circulators exclusively, you may have a problem. Better plan on buying a lot of signatures.

How many? Ald. Brookins turned in over 3,500 signatures -- and came up somewhere between 250 and 400 signatures short of the 1,000 he needed to get on the ballot.

But here's the thing: If two prominent Chicago politicians could not easily qualify for the ballot, maybe the political professionals will decide to look at whether the rules need to be changed. Tweaked, at least. This cycle may be dismissed as fluky... maybe the pros will cite candidate-specific problems... but, if enough committeemen are also finding that people aren't opening their doors for them or their people, there may be some impetus for reform. Well, revision anyway.

The goal would still be to leave a chasm between those who benefit from the arcane provisions of the Election Code and the rest of us Great Unwashed. But any easing of requirements could conceivably benefit the attentive. Such as, perhaps, the many smart lawyers who read FWIW and hope one day to attain the bench.

Is there hope for change in the near future?

This year a number of disappointed county office-seekers, one of them Todd Stroger, filed suit in Federal court to have the requirements for Cook County candidates (more than 8,000 signatures required for Cook County Sheriff or a seat on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District) struck down or at least conformed to the requirements for statewide office (only 5,000 signatures required for Governor). See, Acevedo, et al. v. Cook County Officers Electoral Board, et al., 18 C 293. So far, the action has not fared well -- Judge Bucklo denied the Plaintiffs' motion for a TRO on January 24 -- but the point is that these are not Communists or some other fringe group complaining about onerous signature requirements (the leading case in the area is Illinois State Board of Elections v. Socialist Workers Party, 440 U.S. 173 (1979)) but, rather, not-quite-inside-enough-insiders, including the son and heir of one of Da Late Mare's most prominent, and reliable, committeemen.

(Any student of Chicago history can easily explain why it is harder to run for Cook County Sheriff than Governor: Keeping the Sheriff's office under control was considered much more important to the health and prosperity of the Cook County Democratic Party than holding the Governor's office. Good heavens. Aldermen were important. People gave up seats in Congress for a chance to be Alderman. If an independent alderman became too great a nuisance, he could always be exiled somewhere where he could do the organization no harm -- perhaps to the U.S. Senate, as in the case of Paul Douglas.)

So, with the Brookins and Silverstein problems, with the Acevedo case, and with police officials repeatedly telling homeowners---registered voters---not to open their doors to anyone, some of the tea leaves are pointing tentatively, cautiously, arguably in the direction of loosening signature requirements. And it might even happen, too.

I'm not smart enough or connected enough to predict that something will or won't happen, but I will predict that, if it happens soon, it will happen right at the very end of May....

Electoral Board knocks Copland out of Brewer race

In a not-yet-posted decision entered earlier this week, the Cook County Officers Electoral Board sustained objections to the nominating petitions of countywide judicial hopeful Lisa A. Copland. The Illinois State Board of Elections website confirms that, pending any court action, Copland has been removed from the March 20 primary ballot.

The Electoral Board's action leaves three candidates in the race for the countywide Brewer vacancy, Judge Oran F. Whiting (who holds the seat pursuant to Supreme Court appointment), Assistant Public Defender Kathryn Maloney Vahey, and Assistant State's Attorney John Maher. That's a link to Maher's campaign website in the preceding sentence; a link has been added to the blog Sidebar. (I didn't find Maher's campaign website until this morning.)

Circuit Court of Cook County closed today

Released last night by Pat Milhizer, Director of Communications for Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans:

Statement by Chief Judge Timothy Evans:

"Due to the winter storm warning that predicts 10-14 inches of snowfall in the Chicagoland area between Thursday February 8, 2018, 6 p.m. and Friday, February 9, 2018, 9 p.m., and to ensure that no one is placed in a position of danger in getting to court, the Circuit Court of Cook County will be closed Friday, February 9, 2018.

"This means - with the exception of Central Bond Court at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago and juvenile detention hearings at the Juvenile Center in Chicago - that there will be no court in session in any Cook County courthouse and that the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court will be closed. All cases set for Friday, February 9, 2018, will be rescheduled.

"On Monday, court is closed in observance of the state holiday of Lincoln's Birthday. Central Bond Court and juvenile detention hearings will be held as scheduled through the weekend and Monday."

An extra day of campaigning for judicial candidates. But, if you're going door to door today, bring your snowblower.

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Update: From the Federal court's website:

DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER AND DANGEROUS TRAVELING CONDITIONS THE US DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS EASTERN AND WESTERN DIVISIONS WILL BE CLOSED ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2018. NORMAL OPERATIONS WILL RESUME ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018. IN COURT MATTERS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 WILL BE RESCHEDULED.

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.