Justice has integrity, respect, experience

I first met Justice Mike Burke when I was assigned to his felony courtroom as an assistant state's attorney in 1997. Then, as now, he stood out as a highly-qualified, knowledgeable, and fair jurist, efficient in the conduct of court business and keenly aware of the importance of administering justice. Everyone in his courtroom, regardless of their role, was treated with fairness and respect.

Justice Burke is the only candidate for this seat who is "highly recommended" by the Illinois State Bar Association. Mike Burke has received higher integrity and impartiality ratings than his opponent Mary K. O'Brien, who was never a trial court judge, and was appointed to the Appellate Court straight from the General Assembly, as a reward for her service as a reliable cog in Mike Madigan's machine.

It's no surprise O'Brien is running a smear campaign, attempting to politicize the Supreme Court with a legislative agenda, to distract voters from her record of support for corrupt leadership and opposition to government reforms like fair and sensible legislative maps. She is exactly the type of operative the Illinois Judges Association has sounded the alarm about: those who threaten the legitimacy of the judicial branch and erode public confidence in the fair and impartial administration of justice.

O'Brien and her allies are lying about Mike Burke. He has made clear that state lawmakers, not the courts, set abortion policy. Burke's record is clear - he has no personal agenda and doesn't legislate from the bench. More importantly, he is not politically beholden to anyone.

I can think of no better person than Mike Burke to sit on the Illinois Supreme Court, where his insight, integrity and example will serve and benefit ALL of the people of Illinois.

Michelle Moore Norton

Glen Ellyn