Stack
Mudge
Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel Stack has indicated he will not seek retention in 2010.
In a press release sent out by Chief Judge Ann Callis' office, Stack notified his colleagues that he had sent his letter of intention to retire to the Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.
Stack was appointed to the 3rd Circuit Court in February 2003 to succeed retired judge Circuit Judge P.J. O'Neill. Stack was elected to fill O'Neill's vacancy in 2004.
Callis called Stack "an exemplary chief of the Civil Division," in the release.
At a presentation to the county's Judiciary Committee two weeks ago, officers from the judicial reform group, the Illinois Civil Justice League praised Stack for his part in what they saw as reforming Madison County's courts.
In the release, Stack cited his 60th birthday in November 2010 and discussions with his wife and friends as factors in his decision to retire at the end of his term. He said in the release that he wanted to announce it early to allow others to enter the race for the seat and to gain endorsements.
"I am happy with the decision and feel confident that it is the right decision," Stack said in the release.
Madison County State's Attorney Bill Mudge has indicated he will seek election to the post being vacated by Stack.
Illinois primary elections are set Feb. 2, 2010. The general election is Nov. 2, 2010.