DuPage Election Board May Finally Replace Republican Crony Attorney

[LegalScholar]

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130424/news/704249708/

The DuPage County Election Commission has been contracting the same Republican crony attorney since 1996 who has given the DuPage Republican Party and candidates over $175,000 in contributions. He's paid big bucks with tax dollars and then gives it back to same people who give him the generous contracts.

Other attorneys contracted with the county and state are given a ceiling rate of $150 per hour. This guy has been charging $250 per hour for years and it looks like he just reduced it to $230 amid scrutiny.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130424/news/704249708/

[ChairmanAgnostic]

1. actually, those charges are low.

Many firms, especially couple in Cook County, charge far more for election activity.

On the other hand, getting a sweet-heart deal for decades, AND kicking back $$$ to top GOP candidates is sick. And common.

[LegalScholar]

2. ChairmanAgnostic

The Cook County Election Board, the Chicago Board of Elections and the Illinois State Board of Elections have in-house attorneys who do most of the work.

Not sure about Cook County, but the State of Illinois and DuPage County have a $150 maximum per hour for contracted legal services.

Of course, the DuPage Election Board is the *only* electoral board in the state with an independent county-wide board. All other county-wide boards are structured beneath the county clerk's umbrella. The county clerk's office has in-house attorneys.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

4. Too many city council members would balk at such low fees.

given how Ald. Burke's firm has milked the city for millions.

[LegalScholar]

3. From five years ago...

Campaign contributions prompt judge to remove himself from case

A judge scheduled to hear the appeal of a Democratic candidate who was removed from the ballot has recused himself from the case after campaign contributions he received from the DuPage County Election Commission’s lawyer came to light.

Patrick Bond, the attorney for the commission, and his law firm have made campaign contributions to DuPage Circuit Judge Kenneth Popejoy and to state Sen. Carole Pankau, R-23rd District, of Itasca. The commission removed her Democratic opponent, Villa Park Trustee Tom Cullerton, from the ballot last month.

Bond is a Wheaton lawyer who serves as legal counsel for the bipartisan commission. His law firm, Bond, Dickson & Associates, donated about $900 to Pankau’s campaign from 2002 to 2007, according records filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections. Bond and his firm also have donated $6,500 to Popejoy’s campaign fund, records show.

More...

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2008/06/25/campaign-contributions-prompt-judge-to-remove-himself-from-case/zbwp86g/?page=1

[ChairmanAgnostic]

5. wasn't Popejoy forced off the bench for a few months?

Something to do with his computer use in his office?

[LegalScholar]

6. ChairmanAgnostic

It had to do with his actions after leaving a restaurant with DuPage's chief judge. Reckless driving and a hit and run. The police came to his door after reports were made.

Of course, we can guess that he was drinking something stronger than a soda or coffee at the restaurant...

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120509/news/705099746/