In a political ritual preceding every election cycle, those who want to be judges appear at a colorful meeting to vie for the support of Democratic power brokers. The slating event is often a strong indication of who will become a judge.
Judge Michael Toomin and Mayor Lori Lightfoot say his critics are playing politics. Reformers say the lives and futures of Cook County children are at stake.
Party leadership voted overwhelmingly not to endorse judges Michael Toomin and Mauricio Araujo for retention.
The committee that provides funding for Cook County circuit judges’ retention campaigns is turning much of its money over to the Cook County Democratic party, even though the party is mounting a campaign to defeat one retention judge, Matthew Coghlan.