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* I’m told the pro-choice groups will endorse Nancy Rotering, who was rated “Not Recommended” by the Illinois State Bar Association…
PRO-CHOICE GROUPS GATHER TO ANNOUNCE ENDORSEMENT IN ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT 2nd DISTRICT RACE
WHEN: Thursday, May 26TIME: 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Administrative offices, 17 N. State, Chicago 5th Floor
SPEAKER LIST:
Kelley Foxx, Board Chair, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action
Terry Cosgrove, President & CEO of Personal PAC
Representative Anna Moeller, Representative Dan Didech, Representative Joyce Mason, Representative Sam YinglingDETAILS:
In light of the leaked SCOTUS draft opinion on Roe V. Wade, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) and Personal PAC are gathering to publicly announce their endorsement for the Illinois Supreme Court in the 2nd District race.With Illinois remaining as the last line of defense to ensure people in the midwest have access to safe abortion, it’s more important than ever before to support pro-choice candidates for the Illinois State Supreme Court.
Maybe this means she will finally have the cash to compete. We’ll see.
* Meanwhile, from one of her Democratic primary opponents…
Today, the Judge Rochford for Illinois Supreme Court campaign released the first digital ad in the Second District race. The ad highlights Judge Rochford’s deep credentials and decades-long experience in the courts, which include more than 35 years practicing law and serving as a judge for the last decade. It also highlights Judge Rochford’s recent “highly recommended” rating by the Illinois State Bar Association, the only Democratic candidate in the race to receive it.
“This first ad represents the launch of an aggressive paid media campaign to engage voters across the Second District about Judge Elizabeth Rochford’s unparalleled depth of experience in the race for Illinois Supreme Court,” said Steven Campbell, campaign manager for the Rochford campaign. “As the only Democratic candidate in this race to be rated highly recommended by the Illinois State Bar Association, it is more clear than ever that Judge Rochford is the Democratic candidate who is best positioned to win this seat in November. There is too much at stake in this race to risk nominating a candidate who does not have the qualifications necessary to serve on our state’s highest court and make that case to voters this Fall against a very well funded Republican nominee.”
The ad spotlights the strong coalition of support Judge Rochford has built from leading labor organizations, elected officials, and pro-choice legislative leaders. She has been endorsed by nearly every major union, including the Illinois State AFL-CIO, Local 881 UFCW, Plumbers Local Union 130 United Association (UA), Teamsters Joint Council 25, and the Lake County and McHenry County Building & Construction Trades Councils and their affiliates, which together include 44 local affiliate trade unions.
In addition to labor support, Judge Rochford has been endorsed by Secretary of State Jesse White and Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Iris Martinez, as well as current and former state legislators that include Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz, Senator Melinda Bush, Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Senator Elgie Sims, Assistant House Majority Leader Marcus Evans, former Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, former State Senator and State Representative Susan Garrett, and former State Senator Heather Steans.
* Rate it…
I cannot see how that ad will possibly stand out in the growing ambient noise. But, maybe you think differently.
…Adding… From Rochford’s campaign…
Today, the Judge Rochford for Illinois Supreme Court campaign released the following statement on behalf of both current and former Illinois State Senators who endorse Judge Rochford’s candidacy and have served as vocal advocates in protecting and expanding access to women’s reproductive healthcare here in Illinois. Those lending their name to the statement include State Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, State Senator Melinda Bush, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, former State Senator and Cook County Clerk Iris Martinez and former State Senator Heather Steans. Their statement is as follows:
“For years, we have been on the frontlines of the fight to protect women’s reproductive rights here in Illinois, work that has become more important than ever as we witness our freedoms coming under attack across the country. To ensure Illinois stays strong when it comes to protecting the rights of women across the state, we need proven and experienced leaders at every level of government. That includes the Illinois Supreme Court. We support Judge Elizabeth Rochford in the Second District, whose qualifications are unmatched by any of her opponents, which is underscored by the fact that she is the only Democratic candidate in this race rated ‘Highly Recommended’ by the Illinois State Bar Association. Judge Rochford is not just the best candidate to serve on the highest court in the state, but our best chance at winning this seat in November.”
Personal PAC has been on the opposite side of influential pro-choice women legislators on more than one race this year. It’s an interesting development.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Meanwhile, on the other side of the spectrum…
Illinois is drawing nearer to the most important election in years. With life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness on the line, voters have the power to make historical change with office-holders. Pro-life, pro-family, and pro-liberty David E. Smith, Director of Illinois Family Institute, announced his full endorsement of Republican Judge John Noverini for Illinois Supreme Court 2nd District in the June 28th Republican Primary.
“John Noverini is a man of integrity, a family man who has a strong Christian faith, and unwavering principles. We need jurists like him on the bench in Illinois because we know that he will defend the Constitutions of Illinois and the United States,” stated Smith. “I have every reason to believe that Justice Noverini will uphold our civil rights of life, liberty, and the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession will have no better guardian.” David E. Smith is the executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, an independent 501c(3) non-profit ministry dedicated to upholding and re-affirming marriage, family, life, and liberty in Illinois since 1992. David is a Republican precinct committeeman and the Crete Township Republican Organization chairman.
“Receiving the personal endorsement from David Smith, the head of one of the most influential and important organizations to voters, is received with sincere appreciation. Dave, and those who work with and for IFI, are regularly bombarded with hostility from those opposed to their firmly held religious beliefs, yet they stand firm in their cause and never give up on God’s calling for them. I have tremendous respect for David.”
Judge Noverini was elected in 2008 as a Circuit Court Trial Judge and retained in 2014 and then again retained in 2020. Judge Noverini has experience in Family, Criminal and Civil courtrooms. During his judicial tenure, he has served as the Presiding Judge of the Family Law Division, Criminal Division, where he has presided over close to 100 criminal jury trials, Probate Court, Guardianship Court, Traffic and Mental Health Courts. He and his wife, Saray Rodriguez Noverini, are long-time residents in Kane County. Judge Noverini is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and holds a Master’s degree in History from Northeastern Illinois University and a Juris Doctorate from IIT Chicago Kent College of Law.
Noverini was also rated as “Not Recommended.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Personal PAC just sent a blast email to supporters. Here’s the only reasoning the group pointed to for why they’re backing Rotering to be an Illinois Supreme Court Justice and not anyone else in the district…
Nancy served on the Planned Parenthood Illinois board from 2016 until declaring her candidacy, demonstrating her deep commitment to reproductive rights.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 9:41 am
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That might be the game changer Rotering needs. As for the ad, it seems aimed at insiders so she can say she has an ad. Nothing special about it so it gets a C from me.
Comment by Torco Sign Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 9:45 am
With all the negative ads running constantly it might stand out just for being positive. Pritzker has positive ads but I think some people think they are a stretch of his accomplishments.
Comment by Been There Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 9:47 am
Is that former legislator Susan Garrett in the ad?
Comment by Socially DIstant watcher Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 9:48 am
Bit puzzled why these groups would choose a side here. Someone help me out, but is their position really in jeopardy in this particular primary? If the goal is to win in November to protect their cause, doesn’t going with someone with a Not Recommended tag potentially hurt that cause?
Part of my issue with single issue advocacy groups forever, all over the spectrum, is their tendency to back someone based on their issue, qualifications and other issues be damned.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 9:56 am
I think voters are hungry for good people running for office who are highly qualified, especially for a race like SC. Rochford and her experience is very impressive. I give the ad a B. As for these endorsements, good for rotering, but she is so behind in fundraising and with the not recommended rating by the state bar association, it’s a campaign killer.
Comment by Shytown Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 9:58 am
Why in the current environment is PP using precious money and resources on a primary between two pro-choice women.
If they have evidence Rochford is not sufficiently pro choice what is it?
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:09 am
I really do wonder why we have judicial elections. The people most likely to advocate for a candidate are trial attorneys who work in front of current judges/candidates and might think they have something to gain from their support.
Comment by Route 45 Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:12 am
I think a good point made recently was why the Illinois State Bar Association doesn’t release their reasoning behind their recommendations. I mean if you’re going to say someone is Not Recommended, and you expect people to look to you for your expertise in rating individual judges, you need to explain your reasoning. “Just trust us we know what we’re doing” is pretty arrogant.
Comment by PublicServant Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:13 am
===using precious money and resources on a primary between two pro-choice women===
It’s a question that I’m sure will be asked.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:16 am
Rochford C. it’s bland. Dear groups meeting today, your candidate is not qualified to be on the State’s highest court. it’s embarrassing.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:20 am
Rotering v. Noverini - two sides of the abortion issue - would make the Illinois Supreme Court 2nd District the battle of the
“not recommended” come November.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:23 am
Trial lawyers (and prosecutors) spend a lot of time with judges, they note their behavior with the jury, get a feel for how often they are overruled etc. To some extent, the judges chosen affect their work environment. An attorney who has worked 2 or 3 cases with a judge is going to be a much better evaluator of that judge than I am.
Comment by cermak_rd Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:26 am
Pretty bold to use the Lake County Democrats’ logo in the ad, considering that they haven’t endorsed Rochford. Doubly bold because Rochford’s campaign manager/endorser/donor is running against the chair of that party for state central committee.
Comment by vern Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:28 am
Route 45 - Some history on electing judges: We have judicial elections largely because politicians like to pick judges. In Cook County, most judges were creatures of the Cook County Democratic Organization. Downstate, residents of small counties liked picking people they knew.
When the 1970 Constitution was presented to the voters, there was a separate article for appointing judges. It carried downstate, but lost because of Cook County votes.
In the 1980’s, Jim Thompson and Harold Washington both supported appointing judges, as did Dawn Clark Netsch, Bob Kustra, and bar and civic leaders. But they never got a constitutional amendment through both houses of the General Assembly.
There have been periodic movements for appointing judges throughout Illinois history. Abraham Lincoln was part of one. Perhaps someday one will succeed. But since it didn’t happen after the federal Greylord and Gambat investigations of the judiciary, it’s hard to foresee how a change will happen.
Comment by Keyrock Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:28 am
Endorsing an unqualified candidate who is not recommended by the state’s bar association to the highest court? Wow. If you donated to these groups’ PAC, ask for a refund. Very seriously. They are not acting as good fiduciaries of your campaign contributions. Nancy Rotering is entirely unqualified to be on the Supreme Court. Between two prochoice candidates, I’ll go with the experienced and qualified one. Rochford all the way.
Comment by ;) Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:34 am
Why would these groups come out for Rotering right after she was rated not recommended by ISBA and there is an extremely qualified candidate in Rochford? Ad helps introduce Rochford and her credentials to voters - B+
Comment by Coop Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:37 am
Liz is an exceptional judge for the IL Supreme Court and she is PRO CHOICE. If we want to keep the Court BLUE, Liz Rochford is our best candidate, by far.
Comment by Susan Garrett Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:46 am
-Nancy served on the Planned Parenthood Illinois board from 2016 until declaring her candidacy-
There it is. I guess not being a sitting judge unable to hold such a role has its advantages.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:47 am
To Update 2 - So PP is wasting its supporters’ critical donations on a PP insider’s vanity campaign for Supreme Court? Yikes.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:50 am
Personal PAC === Nancy served on the Planned Parenthood Illinois board from 2016 until declaring her candidacy, demonstrating her deep commitment to reproductive rights. ===
Kinda livin up to their name, amirite?
Also, “We don’t want nobody, nobody sent”
Comment by PublicServant Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:51 am
PP be like: Qualifications? What qualifications? We don’t need no stinking qualifications.
Comment by ;) Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 10:59 am
If you think a state bar association should pick our next supreme court justice, please remember that state bar associations still have not taken back the law licenses of Trump lawyers John Eastman and Sidney Powell.
As long as we have judicial elections, voters deserve to hear the candidates talk about issues. Planned Parenthood and Personal PAC are strong endorsements for Rotering.
Comment by Route 45 Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 11:01 am
-If you think a state bar association should pick our next supreme court justice, please remember that state bar associations still have not taken back the law licenses of Trump lawyers John Eastman and Sidney Powell.-
This is completely false. In Illinois the ISBA is a voluntary dues-based organization. Lawyers are regulated by the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, a completely separate entity of the judicial branch of government.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 11:06 am
EVERY judicial election you will watch this cycle….and those in the past….talks about the bar ratings. Why? because the bar associations spend lots of time researching the candidates. Because they are lawyers and most of us are not. It’s not a popularity contest for a rating. And because the candidates produce HUGE questionnaires for ISBA, pages and pages. Can Rotering release her submission and enlighten us about what else besides serving on a board qualifies her for the highest court in the state? I feel certain that what Rochford submitted would be interesting as well.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 11:14 am
-In Illinois the ISBA is a voluntary dues-based organization. Lawyers are regulated by the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, a completely separate entity of the judicial branch of government.-
That is useful context for the commenters in this thread who think the ISBA (and not voters) should be the singular decider of who is “qualified” for an elected office.
Comment by Route 45 Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 11:16 am
@Route 45 - you’re confusing bar associations and bar regulators. Bar associations in most states, including Illinois, have no licensing or disciplinary power. Your point totally fails.
Comment by Anon Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 11:45 am
@ Amalia - the submissions are confidential, but you’re right - the bar associations put an ENORMOUS amount of research and time into judicial evaluations, for the sole purpose of helping to educate voters.
Comment by Anon Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 11:47 am
For context, the ISBA claims 30,000 members, while the ARDC reports over 95,000 registered Illinois attorneys. I for one am not an ISBA member, but that was based primarily on a cost/benefit calculus and a personal feeling that the benefits they provide were more geared towards Downstate lawyers in other practice areas.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 11:50 am
Choice has always been my #1 issue and it has guided my vote from the time I was 18. These endorsements seem to be about backroom deals. Both candidates are pro-choice - they have filled out the questionnaires. Personal Pac is endorsing BOTH Alexi and Anna, why not do the same thing in this race? There is only 1 candidate running in the 2nd SC primary on the D side who is highly recommended AND 100% pro-choice. Not supporting highly qualified people who are 100% supportive of the single issue these PACs are supposed to care, makes me question what criteria they use when they endorse and if they apply those standards equally across the board. Shame on Personal Pac and Planned Parenthood! Vote for Rochford!
Comment by Disgusted Pro-Choice Voter Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 12:33 pm
Route 45, Nancy is that you? Because you’re displaying about as much understanding of this as Nancy has qualifications and practical experience.
Comment by ;) Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 1:35 pm
Who cares what State Senators and other elected officials from Chicago have to say about Rochford. Not trying to be mean, but Cook isn’t in the 2nd, and I doubt anyone cares. Senator Bush is obviously from Lake, but I don’t think her influence is as big as she thinks it may be.
Comment by Lake County Voter Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 1:42 pm
== Who cares what State Senators and other elected officials from Chicago have to say about Rochford. ==
I think everyone should care about who sits on the IL Supreme Court. Just like everyone should care about every seat in the US Senate. Because the decisions that a senator makes from the state of Mississippi impacts us here in Illinois. Someone who votes on the Illinois Supreme Court from downstate impacts those of us who live in the Chicago metropolitan area. There’s your answer.
Comment by Shytown Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 2:31 pm
I live in Lake County and until Rochford announced she has been MIA in the community. Rotering has been very visible for years. It makes sense to back a candidate that supports working class families
Comment by realtalk9912 Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 9:04 pm
Just speaking as a retired attorney, but what I’d like judicial candidates telling me what their courtroom experience is. That is, after all what judges do, hear cases in a courtroom in the circuit court level and rule on what happened at the trial on the appellate level. Again, just my opinion, but someone who has not been a circuit court judge should not be serving on the Appellate or Supreme Court. (I also think that should apply to the U.S Supreme Court, but know that ain’t never going to happen.)
Comment by West Side the Best Side Thursday, May 26, 22 @ 9:57 pm
+I think everyone should care about who sits on the IL Supreme Court. Just like everyone should care about every seat in the US Senate. Because the decisions that a senator makes from the state of Mississippi impacts us here in Illinois. Someone who votes on the Illinois Supreme Court from downstate impacts those of us who live in the Chicago metropolitan area. There’s your answer.+
Sure - everyone should care, but my point was: voters in those counties decide this. Just as voters in their respective states decide who their US Senators are. I doubt the average primary voter in Lake(or other counties that make up the 2nd) care about Chicago types’ endorsements.
And I agree with Realtalk9912. I haven’t seen Rochford since either.
Comment by Lake County Voter Friday, May 27, 22 @ 8:53 am