Hallock, Tegeler score GOP judge nods in Kane County

A longtime judge and a Geneva defense attorney earned the Republican nomination Tuesday for two circuit judge seats in Kane County.

James C. Hallock, a Kane County associate judge since 1992, easily won the GOP nod over Aurora attorney David Howard for the 6-year circuit judge seat in the 16th Circuit that was vacated after Judge Timothy Sheldon retired in late 2012.

Hallock, who emphasized his experience in overseeing criminal and civil cases in his two-plus decades on the bench, took home 6,196 votes with all precincts reporting Tuesday, according to unofficial results.

"I enjoy the work," Hallock said. "I enjoy the colleagues and the challenges that come in every day, and I'm glad I have the opportunity to use my judgment to decide cases."

Howard finished with 4,354 votes, according to unofficial results.

In the race for the other circuit judge seat, which was being vacated by Karen Simpson, attorney D.J. Tegeler barely won the Republican nomination with 5,618 votes, beating out Marmarie Kostelny of Elgin, associate judge since 2006. She had 5,566 votes, unofficial totals showed.