How DuPage County's Judicial Candidates Stack Up: Bar Association

WHEATON, IL — Six candidates are in the running for DuPage County circuit court judge in the upcoming general primary elections, making it the most hotly contested judicial race in the county in history, according to the DuPage County Bar Association. Ahead of early voting, the DuPage County Bar Association (DCBA), released its ratings for the candidates vying for the two available seats.

In a news release, DCBA executive director acknowledged that it "can be hard to decide on who to vote for judge." Rupp added that the DCBA hopes the ratings will help voters make an informed decision on election day.

The recommendations were made after DCBA reviewed written applications from all six candidates, in addition to looking into their backgrounds and completing interviews. The reviewing committee included DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin, retired judges Edward R. Duncan and William Ferguson, several former DCBA presidents, and other DCBA members.

The DCBA's recommendations for judges to replace retired Judge Blanche Hill-Fawell’s retirement, are as follows:

• Jeffrey M. Jacobson (D): Highly recommended
• Karen M. Wilson (R): Highly recommended
• David Stevens (D): Not presently recommended
• Raleigh D. Kalbfleisch (D): Not presently recommended

For the candidates vying for retiring Judge Kathryn E. Creswell’s seat, the recommendations are:

• Linda E. Davenport (D): Highly recommended
• Jeffrey MacKay (R): Highly recommended

Reviewers weighted such characteristics as temperament, legal ability, impartiality, integrity, sensitivity, court management, and health.

Of the candidates, MacKay ranked highest in all of the rubrics measured.

To take a look at all the judicial candidate ratings from DuPage County Bar Association, visit the DCBA website.

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