The Illinois State Bar Association[ISBA], the largest voluntary association of lawyers in Illinois, is condemning some radio ads concocted by JUSTPAC, the political action committee of the Illinois Civil Justice League. The ads, which attack Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride, were described as “inappropriate” and the ISBA said they distorted the Judge’s record as soft on crime. Kilbride is a widely respected jurist who has been endorsed by prosecutors and defense lawyers of both parties across the State of Illinois. The State Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed him as has the National RIfle Association. Even former Illinois Governor James Thompson has endorsed him.
Despite the rebuke from the ISBA, ICJL is committed to continuing the ads. “We’ll stand by everything on the ads” spouted League Director Ed Murnane.
You would think Murnane and his ilk would go away after Kilbride is re-elected next week. But sadly, they won’t. The ICLJ is very well funded by groups that want to limit the rights of ordinary citizens to seek redress against corporations in courtrooms throughout Illinois. And as long as those groups continue to pour money into ICLJ coffers, the ICLJ will be happy to do what they do best – distort the truth.