DuPage voters approve local judicial slate

DuPage County voters overwhelmingly supported the circuit court judicial candidates, including one judge who had some legal troubles of his own this year.

Three judges ran unopposed as Republicans, while three others easily survived retention questions on Tuesday's ballot.

Judge Kenneth Popejoy, who pleaded guilty to reckless driving in August for leaving the scene of crash earlier in the year, received 172,579 votes favoring his retention and 57,317 votes against him. Popejoy actually had more favorable retention votes than fellow Judge Rodney Equi, who received 172,511. However, Popejoy's “no” votes were the highest of the three judges seeking retention.

The week before the election, Popejoy met with the Daily Herald to discuss his situation. He described his actions as “a moment of panic” but a life lesson that will make him a better judge.

Judge Bonnie Wheaton received the most support of the three judges seeking to be retained, with 190,250 “yes” votes.

In all, 51 percent of DuPage County's registered voters cast ballots during this election, for a total of 287,717 votes, according to figures released by the DuPage Election Commission.

Of the three judges who ran unopposed, Judge Daniel Guerin received the most support from voters. Unofficial results show Guerin received 216,726 votes. Judge Dorothy French had slightly fewer votes than Guerin with 216,467. Judge Ron Sutter received 215,481 votes.

DuPage judicial votes

<P>Vote totals from the six DuPage County Circuit Court judicial races Tuesday.</P>

<P><B>Election (uncontested)</B>:</P>

<P>Guerin: 216,726</P>

<P>French: 216,467</P>

<P>Sutter: 215,481</P>

<P><B>Retention<B>:</P>

<P>Wheaton: Yes (190,250), No (42,245)</P>

<P>Equi: Yes (172,511), No (48,970)</P>

<P>Popejoy: Yes (172,579), No (57,317)</P>

<P><i>Source: DuPage Election Commission</i></P>