. . . And I don't play one on TV.

I have also seen Judge McKillip on the bench. I have watched as Judge McKillip flipped through a magazine instead of listening to a witness testifying before him. He had already made up his mind, but he felt he still needed to go through the 'due process' motions. Since court reporters don't report on a judge's actions or demeanor, McKillip must have felt safe ignoring important testimony.

I have watched as Judge McKillip refused to enforce a father's right to see his own children - a right granted to the father by the State of Illinois. I have watched as Judge McKillip feigned helplessness when a father asked to have his court order enforced.

People want to believe that the judges who serve us are the 'best and brightest' the legal community has to offer. In fact, especially in DuPage, it's the quality of your connections in the Republican Party that determine if you'll become a judge.

If there had been a Democratic governor at the time, Operation Greylord would probably have been conducted in Wheaton instead of Chicago.

Unfortunately for DuPage County voters, there is no real alternative. That sad fact also dictates why voter turnout for judicial elections is limited to Republican party regulars. A DuPage County judge under indictment and awaiting trial was 'retained' by more than 80% of the vote. Apparently, there is little or nothing a judge can do to have himself voted out of office.

No matter how you vote in the judicial election, your vote will just be propping up a flawed process.

Sounds like you know a lot about what went on in that one case so I thought perhaps it was your own legal dispute and that there are perhaps, some sour grapes. The Judge you describe is nothing like the one I have appeared before on many occasions over his 6 years in domestic relations. I've won some and I've lost some in front of judge McKillip. No loss has ever cause me to recommend that my client appeal. Everyone's entitled to their opinion of course but I disagree about the quality of the judiciary in Wheaton. They are, in large part, some of the best and brightest out there.

No, it was not my own case. My own divorce case was egregious enough that it was featured on ABC News '20/20', on "Oprah", on CNN, and in the book, "Ceasefire" by Cathy Young.

I've had unbelievable rulings and strange experiences with a whole string of DuPage County judges since 1994.

Specifically, I have off-the-wall transcripts and rulings from Judges Byrne, Anderson, Sheen, Burke, Popejoy, Darrah, and Fawell. My ex-wife's attorney, who fueled much of the conflict is now also a judge - Bruce Kelsey. Only ONE judge (Konetski)who handled my post-decree divorce case was a reasoned jurist.

I observed Judge McKillip's conduct in connection with a friend's case. There are sworn affidavits available (my own) if you'd like to see particulars.

Wow, David! Sounds like you have had some pretty awful experiences in Wheaton. I had no idea you had been through a bad divorce - my comment was off the cuff. No offense intended and I hope none taken.

I agree with you about Judge Konetski being a well reasoned jurist - he's terrific.

Deb

Last week, DuPage County Judge Kenneth Popejoy reportedly hit a parked car while driving in Glen Ellyn, then fled the scene without leaving any information. Allegedly, Popejoy was then observed speeding, running stop signs, and narrowly missed running over a jogger in his race to get to his Wheaton home.

When Wheaton Police arrived, Popejoy 'lawyered up' and refused to make any statement. Amazingly, the Wheaton Police did NOT feel they had any justification for giving him a sobriety test.

Popejoy is up for a retention vote in November. As a connected member of the DuPage GOP, he is virtually guaranteed of being returned to the bench. I fully expect they will delay his trial until AFTER the November election.