From the Belleville News Democrat

Posted on Sun, Jan. 27, 2008
Democrats debate in Madison County
BY JENNIFER K. HASAMEAR
News-Democrat
EDWARDSVILLE -- A candidate forum Saturday at the Edwardsville Public Library brought together two Democratic candidates vying for a seat on the 5th District Appellate Court and two Democrats hoping to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville.
Swansea lawyer Judy Cates is running against 5th District Appellate Court Justice James Wexstten, of Mount Vernon.
Cates has been criticized for digging into her own pockets to finance her campaign with about $690,000. But on Saturday she said after years of working for the people, this is her way of giving back.
"I'm making an investment into the opportunity to have a choice," Cates said.
Cates also has criticized Wexstten for the contributions he has received in his campaign from "businesses that have no business in Illinois."
But Wexstten said he has nothing to do with the contributions his committee has received.
"Once you become a judge, politics has nothing to do with your decisions," said Wexstten, who was appointed to the appeals court last year in Mount Vernon by Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier, a Republican.
While Cates is qualified, Wexstten said he has about 18 years experience as a circuit judge.
"The appellate court does one thing -- it reviews the decisions made by trial judges. And I think someone who has been a trial judge has the right experience to serve as an appellate judge," Wexstten said.
The winner of the Feb. 5 primary will then likely run unopposed in the November election because there is no Republican candidate running for this office.
For Democratic candidates Joe McMenamin and Daniel Davis, the winner on Feb. 5 will become the Democratic candidate who will oppose Shimkus in the November election.
Both candidates said they believe its time for a change and a fresh face in Washington, D.C.
"I am in this campaign for the people," said Davis, 26, who discovered his desire to run for office while working as a legislative liaison for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Davis said his campaign has found support from many people who have said they have never supported any other political candidates.
Veteran Joe McMenamin said this country is "seriously off track" and in need of someone who wants to make a change for the better.
"We have to move forward, and we can't sit on our hands as the problems become worse and worse," McMenamin said.