CFJI continues 'no retention' campaign

Citizens for Judicial Integrity leader Phil Chapman and his group have visited more than 10,000 homes in the last six weeks as part of his  vote "no" on retention campaign, he said recently.

Chapman’s group hopes to oust incumbent Madison County Circuit Judges Ann Callis, David Hylla, Barbara Crowder and John Knight from their seats Nov. 6.

Chapman, of Highland, admits his group has raised a small percentage of money compared to the judges.

The group has raised less than $2,000, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections, most of which came from at $1,300 donation from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re relying on person-to-person contact by committed volunteers who believe in this message of no retention and who believe in what they’re doing,” he said.

“We’ve tried to maintain a robust public discussion with people. We go door to door and talk to as many people as we can.”

Chapman said he has six or seven “grassroots people” in his group, which has had up to 60 people handing out literature on Saturday mornings.

Chapman said he believes his group has raised public awareness since it formed in September.

Chapman has been critical of a “lawsuit explosion” in Madison County. He says the legal profession prospers at the expense of small businesses.