Results of the poll and of ISBA evaluations for judicial candidates statewide, as they become available, are being posted at www.isba.org]

(Springfield, IL February 21, 2006) – Candidates for judicial vacancies outside Cook County in the March 21 primary election have been rated in a poll of attorneys conducted by the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA).

The advisory poll is conducted by mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election. Licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA may request a ballot. Poll results reflect the opinion of the attorneys who chose to respond and not the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Attorneys are asked to respond only if they have sufficient knowledge about a candidate's qualifications for judicial office to give a fair, informed opinion. Seven questions on the ballot measure such qualities as legal ability, integrity, impartiality, judicial temperament, and health.

Candidates are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Candidates receiving 65 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended;" candidates receiving less than 65 percent are rated "not recommended."

"The bar poll is designed to assist voters in becoming informed about candidates for judge," said Robert K. Downs of Chicago, president of ISBA. "I hope voters will consider these results along with other information, such as media endorsements, in deciding how to vote for these important public offices." Downs noted that failure of a candidate to be recommended for judicial office does not reflect on the candidate's ability as a lawyer or in lower judicial office.

Judicial poll and other evaluations are available at www.isba.org.

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