Dear Friends,

After a long campaign for the Democratic nomination for Cook County Judge from the 9th Subcircuit, I owe a great debt of gratitude and want to sincerely thank all of you who supported my candidacy and believed I could make a positive contribution serving as judge in Cook County. Our campaign finished in second place, winning 30.34 percent of the vote in a four-way race. We were just shy of winning by 48 votes.

Abbey shaking hands and meeting with voters

Abbey and volunteers march through the rain in Evanston on July 4th

Abbey at the 2009 Connections for the Homeless dinner in Evanston

Abbey volunteers monthly at the Beth Emet Synagogue soup kitchen in Evanston

Abbey sharing her ideas at an event

Abbey with Justice David (Ret.) and Susan Erickson

Abbey files her petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections

We knew our race would be hard-fought and a challenge to get voters' attention for a down-ballot race. That is why I am so proud of our campaign. So many of you volunteered your time, lending your support and supplying your energy to help me.

Due to the narrow margin, we had the right to perform a discovery recount of 25 percent of the precincts in the 9th Subcircuit. The results remained unchanged. As a result, I have conceded to the winning candidate, Judge Geary Kull.

I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Judge Kull and know that he is and will continue to be an excellent judge. I wish him the best and look forward to the opportunity to work alongside him in the future.

The many months on the campaign trail - sharing my understanding of the law and providing a vision for managing a Cook County courtroom - was well-spent.  I am still humbled by the commitment and dedication by so many who were involved in this campaign and I am proud of what we achieved.

I expect to run again in 2012 and hope I can count on your support again!

In Gratitude,

Abbey Fishman Romanek