Judicial Voting
This is important:
- Dear Everyone,
I have been waiting for this day for 4 years. My name is Melissa Keefe. As most of you know, my husband Kevin was shot 8 1/2 years ago while on duty for the Chicago Police Department. The man who shot him was subsequently freed by Judge Evelyn Clay. We spent about three years watching Judge Clay in her courtroom. After watching her over such a long period of time, I am begging you to vote "NO" this November when you see her name on the ballot. She is not well-versed on the law, and often has to be corrected by other people in her courtroom. She is also very lax. Defendants with multiple convictions walk away from her courtroom with probation every day. It was truly horrific to watch her undermine the very laws that she has sworn to uphold. In addition, she let the man who shot Kevin go free.
I realize that the ballots list so many judges, that it is hard to figure out who is who. I am just asking that you just remember one name, Evelyn Clay, and vote "NO".
I am not trying to be dramatic, but our safety is in jeopardy. We can make a difference!
Thank you for reading this. Please pass it on to everyone you know who can vote.
Melissa Keefe
The only reason the officer kept his arm is the rifle round shattered on the chain link fence surrounding the breezeway. We never knew the shooter got off.
We have a fun tradition when voting for judges in Cook County. We run down the list of judges and vote "no" for each and every one of them. We made one exception years ago and undervoted on purpose as we were unable to bring ourselves to actually vote "yes." Afterwards, we lost so much sleep over it, we vowed never again. Every "no" vote means the judge has to garner something along the lines of 3 additional "yes" votes, so if every SCC reader voted "no," we might be able to effect some tiny change by throwing sand in the gears of the Machine.
A man far wiser than we are once said that there is not one single judge in Cook County that isn't bought, crooked, beholden or incompetent. We were never quite that jaded, but we get closer each year.
We have a fun tradition when voting for judges in Cook County. We run down the list of judges and vote "no" for each and every one of them. We made one exception years ago and undervoted on purpose as we were unable to bring ourselves to actually vote "yes." Afterwards, we lost so much sleep over it, we vowed never again. Every "no" vote means the judge has to garner something along the lines of 3 additional "yes" votes, so if every SCC reader voted "no," we might be able to effect some tiny change by throwing sand in the gears of the Machine.
A man far wiser than we are once said that there is not one single judge in Cook County that isn't bought, crooked, beholden or incompetent. We were never quite that jaded, but we get closer each year.
Labels: corruption, county
posted by SCC at 12:03 AM
73 Comments:
Don't worry Mrs. Keefe, not a single judge will get a yes vote from me.
The city ties the hands of the police. The judges go easy on the criminals. The courts punish the police for doing their jobs and reward criminals for being a burden on society.
It is time for a change.
Vote republican, vote no on judge retentions, and vote for anyone but Daley.
It's not being jaded, it's being realistic, however painful that can be.
I will be voting NO, on this judge!
I vote no for all of them fuck them, nothing but dickie devines idiot crew!
Vote NO for Clay. Vote NO for Wadas.
Great post, I love knowing things like this before I go to the polls. It's really time consuming to research all of the judges.
God bless you and your husband Mrs Keefe.
Judge Evelyn Clay, you maam, are an incredible imbecile. Clearly, you are smoking crack. When you were born, was your mother allowed to hold you for at least a short time before she was returned to her padded cell due to her un fortunate hereditary insanity. Evelyn, please discard all of your medications until the demons that rage in your head are allowed to take over every facet of your life, not just your judicial decisions. May you enjoy your forced retirement. We will. Clean out your office, the public will vote you out. Much Karma to you. Ill will is not wished upon you directly, but perhaps by way of all the good you've done during your time on the bench.
We as the police must vote NO to retain incompetent judges like Evylynn Clay.
Im in...I havent seen one judge that didnt bend the rules for the criminal....over and over again...do you think the average person gets that many chances to f#ck up and not get thrown on the coals.....
Let a cop f#ck up once and watch thesentence..
Ive watched these judges give probation and not guiltys for 10 time offenders of the same crimes...
wake the F#ck up people..this is why our streets are so messed up...give the cops a chance already to do their job...
Vote out incumbants in every race!!!
The shooter died in County playing cards. The second guy was accountable for his actions. His statement was thrown out because of no probable cause. We were not surprised that the statemnet was surpressed. It was either going to be Clay or the Appellete Courts. At least the guy sat for two years.
she just let bo didly-jettie williams an all around loser go free and basically saying that she couldnt believe that police followed the idiot for a couple of blocks and he didnt try to get rid of his pistol. karma lady, i will make sure that everyone i know votes no for her she has never been good to law abiding citizens.
There are many reasons why I never vote for Judges! Needless to say, this tops the list!
http://greensummerlawn.blogspot.com/2005/07/circuit-judge-evelyn-clay-i-agree.html
A story in the Chicago Tribune reported that Judge Evelyn Clay has recently stated three times in her court room during jury selection that she will not have all white juries. When a few people seemingly raised a stink she apologized for being blunt but stood by what she believed would result in fair proceedings by a jury of peers. Her exact words, "I don't seat all white jurors."
Best topic you have ever had SCC. The answer is simple on Voting for Judges
Vote NO on all of them!!!!!!
I have done this for every election I have ever voted in. There is no such thing as a good judge. All judges play favorites. The defense doesn't need to do anything if they are friends with the judge. I have seen judges I thought were good do the defense attorneys job for them.
VOTE NO!!!!!!!!!
I always vote NO on all judicial retention.
I believe that it least if more people did the same it would send a message that judges are being watched.
I always vote no for every single one of them. You got my vote.
Like all you guys voted not to retain the judge that let the Hatch girls go? That judge won with more than 90% retention vote. Unfortuantly for the writer, these guys only surf the web and post messages on blogs. They will not leave the bar and actually vote.
All talk and posting will get you this judge for another four years.
she just let bo didly-jettie williams an all around loser go free and basically saying that she couldnt believe that police followed the idiot for a couple of blocks and he didnt try to get rid of his pistol. karma lady, i will make sure that everyone i know votes no for her she has never been good to law abiding citizens.
10/20/2008 05:59:00 AM
Wasn't judge clay. It was judge m. laws who had that case in her court room.
The Chicago Bar Association (CBA) gave this explanation for its "not recommended" rating:
Judge Anthony Burrell is “Not Recommended” for retention as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Burrell was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1989 and elected to the Circuit Court in 2002. Judge Anthony Burrell has problems with punctuality and absences. In addition, Judge Burrell is poorly organized which affects his ability to run a high volume courtroom.
The CBA gave this explanation for its "not recommended" rating:
Judge Casandra Lewis is "Not Recommended" for retention as a Circuit Court Judge. Judge Lewis was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and was elected to the Circuit Court in 2002. Judge Lewis has problems in a number of areas including starting her call on time and diligently carrying out her duties on the bench. Judge Lewis needs to improve her work ethic and was less than respectful of the bar associations’ peer review process.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers had this to say in finding Judge Lewis "not qualified":
Hon. Cassandra Lewis was elected to the bench in 2002. She currently hears jury and bench trials in the First Municipal District. Prior to becoming a judge, she spent nine years in private practice and two years as an Assistant Kane County State's Attorney. Judge Lewis has adequate legal ability for her current assignment and is praised for her temperament. She receives mixed reviews, however, for her work ethic -- many lawyers complain she is not well-prepared and is often not punctual in taking the bench. The Council has received reports that some lawyers will take a substitution of judge rather than appear before her. The Council finds her Not Qualified for retention.
In my time, I have had several cases in her room. It is amazing that a person as un-educated and ignorant as her could have the power that she does. SHE IS A "NO" VOTE without a doubt. She is the female version of LET'M GO LOE HOLT. We are doomed. This is the caliber of judge who are no sitting on the bench more and more now. WE ARE DOOMED
VOTE REBUBLICAN
I'm waiting for the official list of Democrat endorsements to come out so I know exactly who NOT to vote for. I will do evrything I can to embarass Daley on the national stage. As far as judges go I'm with SCC. I've gone done the line and voted no on each one evry election. You get the government you deserve.
OFF TOPIC - BUT SORT OF ALONG THE JUDICIAL LINE.
Can anyone tell me what laws (if any) I would be in violation of if I (a civilian) chose to carry an asp baton for use as self defense?
I wish this would have been brought to light a week ago. I early voted with my wife and 2 son last monday. I always like to vote NO on asshat judges
when was the last successful ousting of a county judge? vote NO on CLAY
I already voted absentee, and not one judge has ever gotten a YES from me.
Basically, I took the paper the AFL-CIO mailed to us about who to vote for and voted against every single thing they wanted, and for every single thing they didn't.
This is to all good citizens. If we continue to vote no on all judges and rotate them out,
they will have to start worrying about the voters agenda and not their own. When the voters see a judge they like, they will keep him. As a Chicago Police Officer, I cannot tell you one that I would keep offhand. All my favorites are gone. Let's hear from the workers out there. Tell us who is a good sitting judge. To the voters - vote against all of them now! Let them earn their seat.
Some campaign worker for Mike MacAuliff (a total waste of a seat in the legislature) came to the house.
He asked me to support Mac, I told him to tell Mikey that I am not voting for any incumbant, in any office this year because of the childish behaviour they have been exhibiting, especially the last year.
He looked dumbfounded, I have yet to hear from Mikey.
I'm not going to vote for his opponent either.
I voted no on 90% of the Judges, only yes on some that were good to me and other officers. Not all Judges are bad. Some are former coppers or are copper's families and support us.
Too bad we can't vote against Judge Ackley in Dubuque IA
The worst Judge ever was Eugene
I hate white folks" Pincham.
The second worst was Earl (Let 'em go) Strayhorn who was known for giving Probation on those charged with Probation violations.
He once had a ASA charged with Contempt of Court for disagreeing with him on a sentence of Probation for 5 time felon.
I already voted and each judge and dumbocRat got a NO vote.
Please add Judge Rodney Brooks to your list when voting NO for retention. He's the guy who let Jonathan Tolliver out of jail just days before he shot (and killed) Mike Ceriale.
Vote NO for Clay. Vote NO for Wadas.
10/20/2008 12:44:00 AM
What? Wadas used to work for Roddy. And he's a jag off? Imagine that.
Vote NO on all.
I always vote NO on judicial retentions. But this also brings me to a point that peopleneed to recognize. If the Rev.'s wereinterested in cutting the violence then WHY ARE THEY NOT DEMANDING that that the judges impose the appropriate sentences for gun offenses. You tell me why a judgeis giving a defendant probation on top of probation for these gun crimes they continually get arrested for. It's amazing that the shitbags fear the Feds. Why???? Because they hammer them with the cases they pick up Minimum sentence 5 years each gun. SO TAKE CONTOL VOTE NO ON ALL JUDGES> LET THEM KNOW WE ARE FED UP & WATCHING!!!!!!
SCC:
Even the Chicago Bar Association has classified her as "NOT RECOMMENDED"
Here is the link:
http://www.chicagobar.org/AM/NavigationMenu/Home/Files/2008JECFindings.pdf
maybe you can pass that on to Mrs. Keefe
Vote no for ALL judges!!!
Send them a message.
its done no to clay ! quatts 021
The Chicago Council of Lawyers has found Clay to be unqualifed to be a judge. So even the lawyers think she's nuts.
As for you math, SCC, I think you are a little off. Judges need to have 60% yes votes of those who vote for that race.
I do take the time to read the bar association ratings for judges and to ask others I know who have some knowledge of the judges. I take this very seriously because it is important. Ignoring it doesn't help anything. I agree you shouldn't vote for judges if you don't have any idea how they are on the bench but it is a better idea to review the ratings and at least keep out the people who are clearly not qualifed.
AND DONT FORGET TO VOTE NO TO MIKE SHIELDS FOR PENSION TRUSTEE!!!
I am not trying to second guess or monday-morning quarterback. I don't know any of the specifics of this case. But this is why it is absolutely essential to deliver the verdict immediately after a police shooting. If at all possible, make sure to return fire on these pieces of sh@! and end it right there...that way we don't have to rely on the cook county legal system. You can count on my no vote for this clouted up shyster!
Early Voting. Vote 'No' on Clay. Done and Done.
I always vote "NO" on all the judges.
Thank goodness that I always vote "NO" on every judge, as I received this letter (several times) in my e-mail, after I had already voted at my local library.
Vote NO for the Illinois Constitution Convention also, unless you DON'T want your pension!!
Judge Clay has been a police hater and race baiter and since DAY ONE ! HOPEFULLY, she will one day meet one of the mutants that she set free as their victim and then she will see if they give her the same "second chance" she gave them. She should be removed from the bench and her law license revoked.
VOTE NO JUDGE SHEILA MCGINNIS SHE IS A DRUNKEN MESS.
About 7 years ago, I had a UUW by felon bench trial in front of Clay.
Both my partner and I testified we saw the defendant with the gun. A relative of the defendant testified he did not have a gun.
When issuing her ruling, my partner and I were in the courtroom. Judge Clay said, "The officers corroborated each other's testimony that the defendant had a gun. The relative testified the defendant didn't have a gun. The officers and the relative appeared to be truthful. I don't know which to believe, so there is reasonable doubt.
Not guilty."
I'll vote NO on Clay and so will my family members!!
NO!! will be my vote. How do these idots get there in the first place???
ivotetearlytodaycouldnotrememberjudgesname.noforeverybody.imustofgother.
Sounds like Clay and Marjorie Laws are the same judge. Both racist, ignorant, unqualified pieces of shit. How are judges who are so openly racist allowed to remain on the bench? Oh yeah, I forgot, black people are allowed to be racist with no repercusssions. Hey SCC how about a permanent thread listing shitheads who commit murder and the judges in cook county who let them go previous to the murder(s).
SCC Also your readers might like to know their pension is at stake if they do not vote NO to IL Constitutional Convention.
Please help spread the word!
"This is to all good citizens. If we continue to vote no on all judges and rotate them out,
they will have to start worrying about the voters agenda and not their own. When the voters see a judge they like, they will keep him. As a Chicago Police Officer, I cannot tell you one that I would keep offhand. All my favorites are gone. Let's hear from the workers out there. Tell us who is a good sitting judge. To the voters - vote against all of them now! Let them earn their seat.
10/20/2008 10:09:00 AM"
Now apply the same philosophy to every elected office.
Every election.
Until those seeking elected office fear the electorate, there is no democracy in our Democracy.
To Mrs. Keefe,I promise you that judge will not get my vote, thank you for bringing this to our attetion .GOD BLESS.
Please add Judge Rodney Brooks to your list when voting NO for retention. He's the guy who let Jonathan Tolliver out of jail just days before he shot (and killed) Mike Ceriale.
10/20/2008 10:49:00 AM
What was on the piece a shits rap sheet? Or maybe I don;t want to know
VOTE NO JUDGE SHEILA MCGINNIS SHE IS A DRUNKEN MESS.
10/20/2008 04:34:00 PM
vote no on mcginnis??? nah that goes against my "retain Irish surnames" theory sorry that still keeps us the majority I know the dagos hate it but yes mcginnis is a YES for me
Anonymous said...
There are many reasons why I never vote for Judges! Needless to say, this tops the list!
10/20/2008 06:37:00 AM
********************************
YOU HAVE TO VOTE NO ON ALL THESE SONS-OF-BITCHES.... IF YOU DONT CAST ANY VOTE IT'S AS GOOD AS A YES VOTE IN CROOK COUNTY!
Mrs. O'Keefe:
You have my "NO" vote.
But then you always did
I voted NO for every judge!
Sounds like Clay and Marjorie Laws are the same judge. Both racist, ignorant, unqualified pieces of shit. How are judges who are so openly racist allowed to remain on the bench? Oh yeah, I forgot, black people are allowed to be racist with no repercusssions. Hey SCC how about a permanent thread listing shitheads who commit murder and the judges in cook county who let them go previous to the murder(s).
I can attest to Clay, but I had many cases with Marjorie Laws when she was a states attorney and she was great, on our side all the way...
VOTE NO SHIELA MCGINNIS THE DUI JUDGE.
OFF TOPIC - BUT SORT OF ALONG THE JUDICIAL LINE.
Can anyone tell me what laws (if any) I would be in violation of if I (a civilian) chose to carry an asp baton for use as self defense?
10/20/2008 09:21:00 AM
*************
I'm a civilian that carries one of these too. I believe we're in violation of a concealed weapons law, but it doesn't name "collapsible baton" by name. IIRC it would be considered a "dangerous weapon" but I was under the assumption it was illegal to carry one with the intent of using it unlawfully. Since self-defense is lawful, maybe we're okay.
All I know is I usually just stash it in my back pocket when I go take the dog for a walk late at night. I'm in Edison Park so nothing really happens, but you never know. I've walked past cops both on and off-duty on numerous occasions as they're chatting outside the bars. I know they've seen it. They HAVE to have seen it. I say "good evening" and go about my business. I think it's probably marginally illegal to carry one, but like most things, if you aren't causing trouble, the cops look the other way. It's not like I pull the thing out and ask them if it's legal, tell them I have it, tell them I thumped someone with it, etc.
Believe it or not, many people defy the bullshit laws and make provisions for their own self defense. I see nothing wrong with that, and I don't think (m)any cops do either. They know first hand that they are not responsible for your safety - YOU ARE.
I always voted no for all the judges except the Irish guys, but I like the way SCC does it even better... No for everybody!
I've always voted straight "no's."
Didn't know that guy got off.
"Basically, I took the paper the AFL-CIO mailed to us about who to vote for and voted against every single thing they wanted, and for every single thing they didn't."
GOOD. These thugs do NOT have your best interests at heart. They are in bed with the democrat party and want to use you to give themselves and the democrats power. Don't give the union blind loyalty! They do a lot for you, but you're doing a whole lot more for them!
Voted today and noticed Ann Burke
Eddies wife was running unopposed.
You could only vote YES for her,there was no "NO" box.I just left it blank.When I got done voting her page came up again,asking me if I knew I did'nt vote for her.No way in hell am I voting for a Burke.Plus I just got
done voting no on all the other judges.
Go McCain and Palin!
when was the last successful ousting of a county judge? vote NO on CLAY
10/20/2008 09:23:00 AM
???????????????????????????
I can't think of the name, but there was a judge that let a felon go who beat up a female police officer's face really bad who was working 99. After he said "not guilty" he ran out of the courtroom so fast, he left is balls on the bench. Anyway, if I recall there was such a dislike for this asshole that I know when it was time for re-election he lost. Rumor had it that the mob paid this guy off??? Name????
The Chicago Council of Lawyers Evaluation
Report:
Hon. Evelyn B. Clay – Not Qualified
Hon. Evelyn B. Clay was initially assigned to the First Municipal District after her election
to the Circuit Court in 1996. In 1997, she was transferred to the Felony Trial Division, where she
sat in the Evening Narcotics Section and as a floating judge. She has been in her present
assignment, hearing felony trials, since April 2000.
She spent her entire career before becoming a judge as an Assistant Cook County State’s
Attorney, first in the Child Support Division and then in the Criminal Division. In her 2002
evaluation, she was credited by lawyers for her honesty, sensitivity and temperament. Judge Clay
is reported to treat all parties before her with respect and impartiality. Nonetheless, she was also
regarded by lawyers contacted in the 2002 evaluation as weak on the law and unable at times to
control the lawyers appearing before her. These reports were persistent and serious enough to
compel the Council, at that time, to find Judge Clay Not Qualified. In the current investigation,
some lawyers reported that her judicial performance has marginally improved, but that she still
sometimes exhibits indecision on the bench and inconsistencies in her rulings. There are
questions raised about the methods by which she selects a jury. The Council finds her Not
Qualified for retention.
VOTE YES FOR JUDGES JAMES P FLANNERY AND JUDGE WILLIAM LACY.
I voted today. It felt good to vote NO on all the Judges. I know it may not make a difference but it lets them know someone think they suck.
Count me as one of the few who researches the judges before voting, and votes No on the ones who shouldn't be retained, but vote Yes on the qualified candidates.
It is not clear to me what message it sends to vote No on retaining a good judge. Seems that a few people here think there is no such thing, but what do they think will happen if none of the judges are retained? I doubt that the average quality would rise given the scramble to fill so many vacancies.
Wouldn't it be a much stronger message if only a select few were voted to not be retained? That would tell judges that they are being watched individually, and would be much more motivation for doing well. What I'm trying to say is if you knew you were going to be fired no matter how well you did (or not fired no matter how poorly you did) what would that do for your motivation to do a good job?
"....what would that do for your motivation to do a good job?
10/22/2008 12:39:00 PM"
It would motivate the idiots to be themselves and those with a sense of integrity, honesty and honor to do the same.
If you're a judge just because you like the money, power and illusion of superiority, and want to keep the job, you're a judge for all the wrong reasons.
And if you're a judge for all the right reasons, even if you fail to be retained, you'll still be a person of integrity and, maybe, seek to serve those right reasons in some other venue, like seeking election to some other office.
Too many judges are retained solely because of their political connections.
But you know that.
"Too many judges are retained solely because of their political connections."
Incorrect. They may have been appointed because of their political connections. They are retained because most people just vote "Yes" for all judicial retentions.
I just don't think voting "No" on all retentions is much better. I suppose the one thing that can be said for it is if ~35% of people vote all "No" then the 5-10% who only vote "No" on the worst of the judges would succeed in getting those out.
Vote Hell NO for Judge Adam Bourgeois
Fired Ex Cop that's aggressively anti cop
Deadbeat
Child support cheat
Cook County Democrat Machine Flunkey
Law License got suspended for lying on a application to become a judge
A friend and Protege of R Eugene Pincham
Dump this loser-it's back to divorces and real estate for you, A-Dam!
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