JUDGE COGHLAN’S BID FOR RETENTION DENIED
It’s been 28 years since a Cook County judge has been voted out of office.
Circuit Court Judge Matthew Coghlan broke that streak on Tuesday, notching 52.4 percent affirmative votes with 79 percent of precincts reporting — well shy of the 60 percent “yes” votes needed for Cook County judges to keep their seats.
Coghlan was first elected to the bench in 2000. He couldn’t be reached for comment.
Scrutiny of Coghlan’s background was spearheaded by reports from Injustice Watch, an on- line news out- let, that were published in the Chicago SunTimes. Those reports fueled calls from progressive organizations and lawyer groups to oust the 18year incumbent.
In June, two men exonerated after 23 years in custody sued Coughlan, alleging that — during his time as a county prosecutor — he helped frame them for murder in collusion with disgraced Chicago police Detective Reynaldo Guevara. Coghlan denied the allegations in a court filing in August.
In September, following mounting pressure for progressive groups, the Cook County Democratic Party rescinded its recommendation for Coghlan’s re-election.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers rated Coghlan a week later as “not qualified.” However, the Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association both endorsed Coghlan for retention.