Chicago Sun-Times
Our Endorsements for Cook County Judges

Published November 2, 2006

Illinois requires voters to elect Cook County judges and periodically decide whether sitting judges deserve to be retained. Sun-Times endorsements based on our questionnaires and ratings by 11 bar associations: Two well-qualified candidates compete for the 12th subcircuit (Madden vacancy), Democrat Mary Katherine Rochford and Republican Don R. Sampen. An associate judge since 1991, Rochford says she is guided by "a fervor to avoid even the appearance of impropriety." The Chicago Council of Lawyers calls her "exceptionally well prepared, hard-working and fair to all parties." The Chicago Bar Association cites her "knowledge of the law, diligence and fine temperament." The Council says Sampen, an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School, has "substantial litigation experience in a variety of forums." Our endorsement goes to Rochford's experience.

It's also a tough call in the 12th subcircuit (Siebel vacancy) between Democrat Grace G. Dickler and Republican Steve Goebel. Dickler notes she has been an associate judge in family court since 1991 "navigating a judicious route through a quagmire of financial, tax, property and child custody issues." The Council says she "treats parties before her with dignity and compassion." Goebel has been a Cook County state's attorney since admitted to the bar in 1981 and for 13 years the office's supervisor at the Skokie courthouse. Our preference is Dickler for her judicial background.

In the 12th subcircuit (judgeship A) the choice is the more experienced Republican Ronald J. Nelson over Ellen L. Flannigan, recommended by only two of 11 bar groups. The Chicago Bar says Nelson, in private practice since 1977, "has an impressive background in commercial and probate matters."

In the 15th subcircuit (Nowinski vacancy) Republican Anthony C. Scrementi, called "an experienced and well respected practitioner" by the Chicago Bar, gets the nod over Daniel Patrick Brennan, not recommended by any bar group.

Retention ballot

Voters are asked to rule on the retention of a long list of 70 judges. While the bar groups said most deserved to be retained, the Chicago Council and the Chicago Bar agreed on three who should definitely get "no" votes from you.

Cynthia Brim: The Council said many lawyers say she "has demonstrated too often a lack of a good grasp of the law," and some lawyers "routinely ask" for another judge when assigned to her courtroom.

Marcella Carmen Lipinski: The Chicago Bar says she "does not possess the necessary temperament and demeanor to serve as a circuit court judge." The Council says she is "flustered easily."

Amanda S. Toney: The Council says she is "short tempered" and "does not move cases expeditiously." The Chicago Bar said "many cases assigned to her sit for much too long a period without disposition.

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