The Aurora Regional Chamber of commerce regularly partners with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to strengthen the voice of Aurora and your business voice in Springfield. This week, the political arm of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of two candidates to fill new positions on the state’s highest court.

Representing thousands of Illinois small, medium, and large employers, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce advocates for the election of candidates that understand the impact of government decisions and legal precedents on a healthy economy. Judge Shanes, running in the newly drawn 2nd district and Justice Burke, running in the new 3rd district, are just the kind of judges that the Illinois Chamber PAC says all Illinoisans concerned with our future prosperity should support.

“The Chamber Board considered impartiality and fairness, knowledge and experience, and unquestioned integrity as the hallmarks of judicial candidates worthy of job-creators’ endorsement. Judge Shanes and Justice Burke represent the best choices for voters in all three areas,” said Todd Maisch, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

“As the son of a small-business owner, I am proud to receive the endorsement of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce in my race for the Illinois Supreme Court. It is an honor to ask the people of the Second District to allow me to represent them on the state’s highest court, and it is gratifying to know I have the support of the Chamber, representing thousands of job providers in our great state. The Chamber represents everyone from our Main Street small businesses to some of the world’s very best corporations. I am proud to have earned their trust,” said Judge Shanes.

“The endorsement of the Illinois Chamber is very meaningful to me. It represents a statement of trust that I will bring fairness and integrity to the Illinois Supreme Court on all issues, but especially where our economic future may be at stake. I thank the members of the Chamber and job creators across the Third District who work every day to ensure a prosperous Illinois,” said Justice Burke.

Justice Burke currently serves as a member of the Supreme Court, filling the expiring term of former Justice Bob Thomas. Judge Shanes currently serves as Deputy Chief Judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court. Both are running in Supreme Court districts redrawn by Democrats in Springfield for the first time since the 1960s following the defeat of Democratic Justice Thomas Kilbride in 2020.

“In addition to fairness, experience, and integrity, both Judge Shanes and Justice Burke bring a deep connection to Illinois and local communities to their candidacies. They clearly understand the law, but also the law’s impact on the fabric of our communities and economy,” said Maisch.

The newly drawn 2nd Supreme Court district includes all of Lake, McHenry, Kane, Kendall and DeKalb counties. The new 3rd district includes DuPage, Will, Grundy, LaSalle, Bureau, Kankakee and Iroquois counties.

Click here for a brief video on the Illinois Chamber’s Endorsement.