Dupage Policy Journal

Mark Curran has been declared the Republican nominee in the State of Illinois Supreme Court race.

Curran values, protects, fights for and is committed to life, liberty, leadership and law; his campaign website said.

“For me, it's never been about partisan politics and that's the reality of my record," Curran said in a recent press release. "Frankly, it's why I won the primary. Now, the people have another choice to make, between law and order and judicial activism. We need to unite in favor of the law and present a united front against the activism. If you look at my record and look at my opponent, you'll see a stark contrast. I'm for equal justice under the law, upholding our Constitution and protecting liberty. This race will reveal who supports law and justice and who is willing to accept partisan politics and activism throughout our state's judicial system.

“I think many Illinoisans are ready to set aside their party affiliation or lack thereof, and join traditional Republicans for a more independent and balanced Court, instead of a politically charged one.”

Curran spent 31 years practicing law in Illinois’ Lake County and eight years with the Illinois State’s Attorney Office, his campaign website said. After being elected Sheriff in 2006, he spent 12 years serving Lake County, becoming the longest serving Sheriff of the northeast Illinois county.

Curran defeated Daniel Shanes in the Supreme Court Republican primary, the Chicago Tribune reported. The race took place earlier in July, but the results were not officially certified until July 29.

As Lake County sheriff, in 2008 Curran spent a week in a Waukegan jail cell to know what it was like; Newsweek reported. His goal was to draw attention to injustices and wrongful convictions.

"People who have never been in jail don't know what it's like to sit on the toilet in full view of everyone," he told Newsweek.

In 2008 Curran left the Democratic party to become a Republican, citing corruption within his former party as that which turned him to the GOP; ABC7 Chicago reported.

"I joined it on a matter of conscience," he told ABC7. "The hope in Illinois is in the Republican party. Corruption, the Chicago Machine, it existed long before I was born, it'll continue long after I am gone."