Gideon Baum has been an attorney for over 14 years—and has lived in the 8th judicial district for over 40 years. He talked about what separates him from the other six Democratic candidates and his thoughts about the most significant issues that affect the gay community.
Windy City Times: Why do you feel you're the best candidate?
Gideon Baum: Some people may have more experience, but I've been in front of a judge for 15 years. I've been in private practice. I've worked in the legislature, where I wrote a lot of the law. I understand how the law is made, and I think that's important as a judge—to understand the legislative history, how things work. I've been [ working at the Cook Count State's Attorney Office ] for over nine years now; I've done [ many ] bench trials. I've done civil and criminal cases, which I don't think most of my opponents have done. Also, in the juvenile court division, judges don't stay there; it's a hard place.
I may not have been an attorney for 30 years, but I know people who have been attorneys for that long who can't put [ an item ] into evidence.
WCT: You've been primarily a plaintiff's attorney, correct?
GB: Yes, except for one year after I got out of law school, so I've done some criminal defense.
WCT: Let me play devil's advocate. You do have extensive experience, but what about the fact that you've worked mostly with children and that [ this position ] is a whole other kettle of fish?
GB: My argument is that the law is still the law. You still have to know what the rules of evidence are—and, by the way, I did do criminal law; I can't tell you how many narcotics cases I've done. Have the majority of my cases been with kids? Yes, [ and ] I like that type of law. The law is the law; it doesn't matter if it's with kids or adults.
WCT: Have you handled any discrimination-related cases? If not, do you think that would work as a disadvantage?
GB: No, I have not. But listen—I'm a Jewish kid; I've been called 'kike' and I know what it's like to be hated. I understand discrimination; I've been called names, and I am sensitive. I don't think [ not handling cases ] makes a difference. People are people.
In '96 or '97, when some synagogues were being burned down in Rogers Park, I worked with Howard Carroll to increase hate-crime penalties. I understand [ discrimination ] ; I want to treat people the way I'd like to be treated. Treat everyone with respect.
WCT: Do you think, as a judge, that you'd interpret the law narrowly or liberally—or is it a case-by-case thing?
GB: I think it's really case-by-case. I will tell you my judicial theory: The Constitution is a living, breathing document. Interpretations are made as time and generations go forward, [ although ] a lot of conservatives are strict constructionists. As a judge, you want to interpret the law the way the legislature has written it. You're not a legislator, but I understand that things change over time.
WCT: Is politics what you thought it would be?
GB: I've been in this since I was 16. I worked in D.C. for Sid Yates, who was a congressman for a gazillion years. I love [ politics ] .
When I first got out of undergrad at [ the University of Wisconsin at ] Madison. In Washington, I worked for a political action committee that is probably the oldest one in the country. So I've been around politics [ most ] of my life.
The political action committee worked with [ former presidential candidate ] Mike Dukakis. I saw a picture of him in that tank and thought, 'We're going to lose so I better go to law school.' So I went to school in Michigan [ Thomas M. Cooley Law School ] January 27, 2008 because I wanted to work in the Michigan legislature, and I worked in politics my entire life afterwards.
My dad hated politics. I think some people can do good things if they're left to their own devices.
See www.baumforjudge.com .