Like the other candidates in this race, James Byrne brings a glittery resumé; his includes almost 20 years of experience as a litigator and endorsements from several bar associations. He talked about, among other things, his qualifications and working with police officers.
Windy City Times: What sets you apart from the other candidates?
James Byrne: I've had occasion to represent both sides. Most of my opponents have been one-dimensional, either plaintiffs or defendants. I've worked with the Fraternal Order of Police, which may or may not be popular these days, but everyone has a right to representation. I've also done probate and real estate work.
I know that Ann Collins Dole has done a lot of defense work. As far as trial experience, I think that Ann and I are the most experienced—although Jamie [ Shapiro ] has done a lot as well. I feel that a judge should really have litigation experience. I respect Ann Collins Dole and Jamie Shapiro a great deal; I really don't know the other candidates that well. However, I feel that I have a broader base of experience than the rest of the candidates.
WCT: What's your biggest disadvantage in this race?
JB: [ Pauses. ] Wow. I'm a very positive person by nature, so I don't see a disadvantage in this race. God—good question. [ Laughs. ] Perhaps, with Jamie Shapiro and Ann Collins Dole, it would be name recognition because both of them have run in the past.
WCT: Where has your campaigning taken you?
JB: I've been going door-to-door and [ even ] bus stops. It's hard—although the past couple of days have been nice. [ Laughs. ]
WCT: You've mentioned the police and protecting their interests. Do you think you're taking a risk putting that information on your Web site, considering that you said the police may not be the most popular group right now?
JB: I understand that—but I believe that most citizens are reasonable, and that they'll understand that the police are entitled to the same protection as anyone. There's good and bad in every profession; it just so happens that police are in the center of the media. Good news doesn't always create the same kind of stir as bad news; the bad things seem to get more attention than the good things. Police officers are human, too—there are a hell of a lot more good police officers than bad ones.
WCT: What do you think are the biggest legal issues affecting the gay community?
JB: I think it has to deal more with equal treatment under the law. I see issues [ involving ] probate and children. Of course, there's also the marriage issue. As a judicial candidate, you're not allowed to tell what your views are, but I think that everyone should be treated equally, no matter what.
WCT: Is politics what you thought it would be?
JB: It's crazy—which is what I thought it would be, although I didn't think it would be this nutty. It almost feels like it's a disservice to the practice of law, but then, who else should decide who the judges are? If you put a bunch of lawyers or judges in charge, you still have politics involved—so do you want politics involving a small group of people or the general public? I feel that it's better that it goes to the general public.
People look at the ballot, and they have no idea who I am. However, the people who are in front of you day in and day out should have more of a say [ regarding ] who wins than anyone else. I've always wanted to be a judge, even before I wanted to be a lawyer.
WCT: Why do you want to be a judge?
JB: I was in college, working on a report where I had to interview judges, police officers and lawyers. I had a chance to sit in a courtroom one day, and I got to see what a judge was doing. Think about it: You have this guy and, usually, two parties come to this person to resolve the situation—and that judge better make the right decision. It's just such a honorable thing to have people look to you to make a decision for them.
See www.Byrne4judge.com .