I-LAW Criticizes Judiciary During 'Lawsuit Abuse Awareness' Rallies
From the Madison County Record
Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch Executive Director Travis Akin leveled a stinging rebuke of the courts in St. Clair and Madison counties today over recent moves made by judges.
Akin called the decisions of Twentieth Circuit judges John Baricevic, Robert Haida and Robert LeChien to run for election rather than retention "gaming the system."
Running for retention requires a higher level of voter approval at a minimum of 60 percent, versus a simple majority when running for election.
Baricevic, who serves as chief judge of the circuit, has said the decision to vacate their seats is not only legitimate, but furthermore subjects them to greater scrutiny than running for retention. He explained that the three, who will run on the Democratic ticket, would have to face potential competition in a primary race in March as well as in the general election in November.
In a press release and a traveling billboard, Akin used a football metaphor to make his point.
"These judges want to change the rules mid-game for their own personal benefit," he stated. "Taking a page from a football referee’s rule book, it’s time to blow the whistle on these types of shenanigans and throw the penalty flag on unsportsmanlike judicial conduct.”
Akin said he doesn't deny that the strategy being used by the judges is "technically legal."
"It just doesn't pass the smell test," he said. "They are gaming the system for their own advantage.
Read more in our daily News Update...
From the Madison County Record
Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch Executive Director Travis Akin leveled a stinging rebuke of the courts in St. Clair and Madison counties today over recent moves made by judges.
Akin called the decisions of Twentieth Circuit judges John Baricevic, Robert Haida and Robert LeChien to run for election rather than retention "gaming the system."
Running for retention requires a higher level of voter approval at a minimum of 60 percent, versus a simple majority when running for election.
Baricevic, who serves as chief judge of the circuit, has said the decision to vacate their seats is not only legitimate, but furthermore subjects them to greater scrutiny than running for retention. He explained that the three, who will run on the Democratic ticket, would have to face potential competition in a primary race in March as well as in the general election in November.
In a press release and a traveling billboard, Akin used a football metaphor to make his point.
"These judges want to change the rules mid-game for their own personal benefit," he stated. "Taking a page from a football referee’s rule book, it’s time to blow the whistle on these types of shenanigans and throw the penalty flag on unsportsmanlike judicial conduct.”
Akin said he doesn't deny that the strategy being used by the judges is "technically legal."
"It just doesn't pass the smell test," he said. "They are gaming the system for their own advantage.
Read more in our daily News Update...