Judge candidates make their cases

"Robe-itis" is not a disease.

It's the term used to describe the condition that afflicts attorneys who radically change their personality when they don a robe and become judges.

The candidates for Cook County's 13th Subcircuit bench say their egos wouldn't inflate to epic proportions if elected. There are two open seats that voters will help fill on Tuesday's primaries. Each comes with a 6-year term.

The 13th Subcircuit covers parts of Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Barrington, Schaumburg, Palatine and Streamwood.

There are two Democrats and three Republicans candidates vying for Karen T. Tobin's vacancy.

On the Democratic side, Carol L. Barnes faces Gary G. Stanton.

Stanton, 57, lives in Hoffman Estates and chairs the village's plan commission. With the Democratic Party's recent ascendancy in the suburbs, he feels the time is right for a run. He's practiced law for more than 32 years.

"I'd like to be known as a person that listens to all the evidence and conducts a fair trial," Stanton said.

Barnes did not respond to requests for comment or background. She also hasn't participated in many of the evaluations by local bar associations.

The Republican candidates are George L. Straton, Margarita Kulys Hoffman and Cary J. Collins.

Collins, 60, is making his second run for judge. He said he'll resign as Hoffman Estates trustee if elected. He's practiced law for 28 years.

"Common courtesy extends to everyone, race, color, creed -- whatever they are," Collins said.

Hoffman, 47, of Inverness, is the only candidate currently presiding on the bench. She's a judge in Rolling Meadows handling misdemeanors and traffic cases. She's practiced law for 23 years.

"I strive to show respect," she said. "I listen to what they said and then base my evaluation on what's being presented to me."

Straton, 43, of Barrington, spent five years as a Cook County assistant state's attorney and now practices in the private sector. He cited his familiarity with the suburbs and even-keeled demeanor as strengths. He's practiced law for 23 years.

"You have to understand where people come from," Straton said.

Also in the 13th Subcircuit are four GOP and two Democratic candidates for the James T. Ryan vacancy.

The Republicans are Paul S. Pavlus, James E. Babock Jr., Annie L. O'Donnell and Guy M. Karm.

Karm is a former Arlington Heights police officer and current Prospect Heights city prosecutor. The 60-year-old Palatine resident spent 20 years as a GOP precinct captain. He said it's important to hear people out. He's spent 25 years practicing law.

For most people who appear in court, "it's probably the only court experience they're ever going to have," he said.

O'Donnell, 50, of Palatine, is a former public defender. She ran for circuit court judge and 1998 and 2004 and state Senate in 1994. She's practiced for 20 years.

"I believe in being fair (and) having impartial compassion and common sense on the bench," she said.

Babock, 47, of Palatine is a former Will County assistant state's attorney. He finds inspiration from former Will County Sheriff Marty Jackson, whom he regarded as his grandfather. Babcock said he wants to make court more efficient, including better use of e-mail. He's practiced law for 22 years.

"I have a reputation for fairness," he said.

Pavlus, 43, of Barrington, is a precinct captain for the Barrington Township GOP. He said his 14 years in the courtroom, including practicing with the Cook County state's attorney's office, make him the best choice.

"Hard-working judges know the law," Pavlus said.

The Democratic primary for the Ryan vacancy is between Joe Gump and Ann Catherine Brady.

Gump, 48, of Palatine ran for judge in 1996. He's been practicing criminal law for 18 years and said he wants to make sure each person has a voice in his court room. He's practiced law for 20 years.

"I'm a fair, easygoing person who rarely loses his temper," Gump said.

Brady, 46, of Schaumburg, has a private practice. She stressed that criminal matters don't make up the majority of cases in the subcircuit. She's had practiced law for 20 years.

"We should have judges who are familiar with the civil system" Brady said.