Busch defeats Morelli in GOP 16th Circuit judicial primary

Kane County Associate Judge Kevin Busch won the Republican nomination Tuesday for a vacancy on the 16th Judicial Circuit bench, unofficial results show.

With all 463 precincts reporting in Aurora Township and Kane, Kendall and DeKalb counties, Busch received 28,262 votes to surpass Aurora attorney Fred Morelli, who had 18,107 votes. At this point, there is no Democrat in the running for the six-year position vacated by Robert Peter Grometer.

"I'm thrilled, obviously, with the results," Busch said. "It was a long year, and I'm pleased to serve the voters of the 16th Judicial Circuit for years to come. I will continue to be the best public servant I can be."

Busch, 51, of Batavia, currently presides over DUI court in Kane County as an appointed associate judge.

He has previously worked locally as an assistant state's attorney, criminal division chief and a private practice attorney.

Morelli, 68, is a private practice attorney and has also been an associate judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit, a public defender in Kane County, and a prosecutor in Cook County.

Both candidates touted their extensive legal experience in the primary campaign.

"I'm disappointed with the results, obviously," said Morelli, who remained undecided about whether he would seek elected office again. "But I am proud of everyone who worked for me, and I'm proud of the race we ran."

Busch said he believed support from his legal peers and "a lot of walking door-to-door, talking to people" were key to his win.

"I think mostly my peers recognized my experience, and that's important," he said.