Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine and Circuit Clerk Tom McRae are calling out Democrat judicial candidates Barry Julian and Ebony Huddleston for sending out campaign texts just days before the election promising that if elected judge they “will uphold” certain Illinois laws relating to abortion.
“Pledging legal rulings for votes is completely unacceptable in a judicial campaign," Haine said.
“How can Julian and Huddleston promise they 'will uphold' some laws no matter what? Any law is subject to challenge in our Circuit Courts. And of course, a judge must approach each case with an open mind, and apply the law, not his or her pre-determined policy preference. We need fair and impartial judges. Pledges for votes should have no place in a judicial campaign.”
According to Haine, it is against judicial ethics to promise specific legal rulings during a judicial campaign. Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct, Rule 4.1 states that a “judicial candidate shall not make pledges, promises, or commitments that are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of judicial office” when running for office. Such candidates also “shall not authorize, encourage, or knowingly permit” others, like campaign staff, to make such pledges on their behalf.
Julian is subject of an anonymous complaint made Oct. 26 to the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission for using the term "judge" before his name in advertising materials.
While he served as an associate judge for 18 months, under the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 4.3 (C)(2)(b), it is prohibitive to make false or misleading statements in connection with the identity, qualifications, present position, or other facts concerning the candidate.
Julian and Huddleston also are facing a backlash from pro-lifers, since the laws they pledged to “uphold” relate to abortion rights.
“Our circuit courts must be open to all. But this pledge by Julian and Huddleston will make their courtrooms hostile to pro-life arguments. That’s not the kind of legal system Madison County needs,” McRae said.
In a joint press release, Haine and McRae, Republicans, said that Illinois has some of the most "extreme" abortion laws in the nation, allowing abortion up to the point of birth, and recently eliminating parental consent requirements when minors seek an abortion.
"Not only are these judicial candidates making unethical promises, they are apparently pledging support for radical pro-abortion policies that will certainly be questioned in the years ahead," the release states.