Welcome to the campaign website of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne M. Burke.  Appointed to the state's highest court on July 6, 2006, Justice Burke is seeking a full, ten-year term in the Democratic primary election on February 5, 2008.

 

      While a trailblazer for women in the state judicial system, Justice Burke is perhaps best known for her lifelong advocacy for children and the disabled.  As a teacher in the Chicago Park District, she helped start what is now the Special Olympics.

 

      Once the youngest of her four children reached school age, Justice Burke attended law school and later opened a neighborhood law practice.  Among her clients were children who were victims of neglect and abuse.

 

      In recognition of her expertise regarding children, Justice Burke was named by Governor Jim Edgar to lead a successful effort to improve Illinois' child welfare programs and juvenile justice system.

 

      In 2003 and 2004, Justice Burke served as head of the panel that investigated the Catholic priest sex abuse scandal, and was sharply critical of the U.S. Conference of Bishops when it dragged its feet on implementing reforms.

 

      During the time she has been on the Supreme Court, and from her prior service as a Justice of the Illinois Court of Claims and 11 years as a Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court, Justice Burke has earned a reputation as an independent and fair-minded judge who decides each case strictly on its merits.

 

      Justice Burke appreciates your interest in her campaign for a full term, and hopes that you will revisit this site often as the campaign progresses.

 

      Please feel free to contact the campaign with your thoughts and suggestions.  We would welcome your support as a volunteer and/or as a financial contributor.