MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Judge Gordon Maag

Judge Daniel J. Stack

Judge James K. Donovan

Judge Andy Matoesian

Judge Terrence J. Hopkins

Judge Lloyd Karmeier

The Illinois State Bar Association's (ISBA) annual judicial ratings gave Judge Lloyd Karmeier an edge over his opponent, Gordon Maag.

Karmeier, a 20th Circuit Court judge, was deemed "highly qualified" while Maag, a judge in the 5th Circuit appellate court, was only deemed "qualified."

Judicial evaluations are based on a candidate's answers to a detailed ISBA questionnaire , "background investigations" and a personal interview. Both Karmeier and Maag were 'Recommended" for Illinois Supreme Court in the ISBA's lawyers poll.

The ISBA mails advisory polls to all of its members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election. Attorneys who are not ISBA members can also request ballots.

The ISBA rates a candidate as 'recommended' if they receive 65% or more "yes" responsed to the question, "does this candidate meet the requirements for office?"

Karmeier received 89.42% 'yes' votes while Maag received 76.41%. Candidates that receive less than 65% are rated "not recommended."

Overall, lawyers rated Karmeier higher for 'integrity,' 'impartiality,' 'temperament,' 'court management,' and 'sensitivity.' Maag earned higher marks for 'legal ability' and 'health.'

In the Third Judicial Circuit, Judges Andy Matoesian and Daniel J. Stack were also 'recommended.' 91.57% of lawyers thought Stack 'met the requirements for office' and 86.55% thought Matoesian did.

In the Fifth Appellate Court, Maag and Judges James K. Donovan and Terrence J. Hopkins also earned 'recommended' ratings. More lawyers thought Hopkins (92.09%) 'met the requirements' than either Donovan (86.96%) or Maag (78.90%.