Two Days Until The Primary

The primary election is two days away.  There are a few races that will be decided in the primary, so please be sure to get out and vote.  Thank you all very much for your support.  We will be posting again on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning after we know who Chris’ opponent will be in November. 

Should be a very interesting day!

Recommended By ISBA Judicial Advisory Poll

On January 13, 2010, the Illinois State Bar Association released the results of its Judicial Advisory Poll.  Chris learned that he was “recommended” by his peers.  We are very grateful, and humbled by the high marks received. 

When a judicial opening is to be filled in Illinois, whether by election or appointment, the Illinois State Bar Association conducts a Judicial Advisory Poll.  The survey is sent to practicing lawyers within the Circuit where the seat will be filled.  Lawyers are asked to indicate whether the candidate possesses the necessary qualities to serve as a judge in various categories, including integrity, temperament, sensitivity to bias, and legal ability.  The lawyers then decide whether they would recommend the candidate for the office. 

Chris was recommended by 81% of the vote, the highest of all candidates for this vacancy.   In the individual categories of the poll, Chris received scores of 94.35% for sensitivity to bias, 93.65% for integrity, 90.24 % for temperament, and 87.30% for legal ability, all the highest marks among candidates for this position. 

Complete poll results can be found at www.isba.org/judicialevaluations/.

Endorsed by Illinois Committee for Honest Government

We learned today that the Illinois Committee for Honest Government has endorsed Chris’ candidacy for 10th Circuit Judge.   This is a non-partisan group dedicated to “reforms and improvement in election laws and procedures,” while they seek “to support the best candidates possible, regardless of party label.” Chris is extremely honored by this endorsement.

Chris has also received the endorsement of a number of Peoria and Tazewell County lawyers.  Look for the list of endorsements on our website, which will be up and running very soon.

Blog Is Back In Action

We have been away from the blog for a few months, concentrating on getting the web page up, and our Facebook page.  But we are back in action now, and hope to have new posts at least weekly.  Look for new posts every Monday morning.  Thanks, again, for your support! 

The last two weeks have been very busy.  Chris attended a number of functions, beginning with a dinner with the Putnam County Democrats (estimated 100 people in attendance), and including a visit with the Peoria firefighters, our first candidate forum with all candidates in attendance, a late night meeting with the operating engineers (at least 150 present), lunch with Dr. Benjamin Carson on Martin Luther King Day (over 2000 people in attendance), and a candidate forum with the NAACP.  We also had a successful fundraising reception with the Peoria County lawyers, and attended several other events.  All in all, a pretty good two weeks.  

(R toL) School Board President Chris Spanos, Coach J. Norman, Asst. Super L. Ealy and Super. Dr. B. Link

On Tuesday, Chris attended the Edison-Midwest Central boys basketball game.  Coach Jerry Norman was recognized for 35 years of service to Edison Junior High School.  It was a very touching ceremony as many of Coach Norman’s former players were present to acknowledge his contributions to their lives, and the great influence he has had on so many players, students, teachers, staff and parents.  He will definitely be missed.  

Friday night the whole Spanos family went to the Pekin Noteable and Intuition preview night and spaghetti dinner to support our good friends Connie (director) and Taylor (participant).  The show was great, and between shows Connie recognized the former Noteables in attendance.  Julia (’85-’87) was part of the 1986 National Champion Noteables.  This year’s squad looks very good, and the music was excellent.  Good luck Connie and the Pekin Noteables and Intuition!  

We will be writing again, soon.  Meanwhile, please visit our Facebook page, or send us a note at spanos4judge@aol.com.

Secretary of State Jesse White

       Last night, Chris had the opportunity to meet and talk with Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.  Secretary White was in Peoria to meet with residents of Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton and Woodford Counties, in support of his run for a 4th term as Secretary of State.  He gave an inspiring and informative speech at the  Operating Engineers Local #649 hall.  He spoke about many recent and upcoming changes in his office, and his experience and accomplishments in both his service as Secretary of State, and with the world-renowned Jesse White Tumblers.  He demonstrated a strong sense of service to the people of the State of Illinois, along with a keen sense of humor.    And at 75 years old, he showed the energy and vigor of a person half his age!

Filing Period Ends

The time to file petitions is over.  According to the State’s website, Chris was the only Democrat to file for the Vacancy of the Hon. Joe R. Vespa.  Three Republicans also filed.  Chris will now have to wait to see who he will face in the November 2, 2010, general election. 

While Chris will not have a primary, the campaign will not stand by during the primary race.  We will continue to work toward getting out the word, and rallying support for Chris.  We would welcome your thoughts on meetings or gatherings in the five-county area where Chris might attend.  Please send your thoughts to spanos4judge@aol.com. 

Thanks, and as always, thank you for your support!

Last Day To File

Today is the last day for candidates to file petitions to be added to the ballot for the February 2, 2010, primary election.  At this time, Chris has no opposition in the primary.  However, three Republicans have filed, and if things do not change before 5:00 p.m. today,  Chris will face the winner in the general election on November 2, 2010.

Filing Day

Line to file.

It is official.  After standing in line for three hours, in the rain, Chris filed his petitions at the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield.  There were over 500 people in line to file petitions for all state-wide and multi-county races! While it is a relief to have this behind us, there is so much more work to do.  A huge thank you to every one of the roughly 1,000 people who signed or passed a petition. We truly appreciate it!

We expect to have our website up and running in the near future.  Check back soon for the address.  Also, if you are attending or know of any meetings, get-togethers, or other events that you think might welcome Chris for a quick visit and chat, please let us know.  You can reach us at Spanos4Judge@aol.com. 

Thank you for all of your support!

Catching Up

The  campaign has been busy since we last updated the blog, and here it is halfway through October!  On September 26, 2009, we started the day at the Peoria Democrat family picnic.  The turnout was great, and the whole family had a great time.  After enjoying the wonderful food (donated by retired Sen. George Shadid), we went to Kingston Mines for an event to benefit the families of service men and women injured in action.  What a great cause.  From there it was off to the St. Phil’s Fall Festival. Wow!  What a turnout!  Thanks to Bobby Spears for the invitation, and taking the time to meet with Chris and introduce us to some of the people.  Also, thanks to Jim for the guided tour!

We met so many wonderful people throughout the day, it would be impossible to mention them all.  Thanks to Billy and Shirley for all of their advice and guidance, and to everyone else for your support.  We truly appreciate it!

Santa Visits the Pumpkin Patch

We had out biggest turnout for the Morton Pumpkin Festival Parade.  Over 50 people walked the 1.5 mile parade route in support of Chris!  Chris spent the entire parade talking to the crowd, meeting as many people as possible.  We were very pleased to see so many familiar and supporting faces.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts go to all that helped us make a strong showing in all of the parades.  A very special thanks to “Jolly old St. Nick” and his reindeer operator, John.