Braiman, Shanes Take Different Campaign Finance Approaches

The candidates for Lake County’s 19th Judicial Court have taken different approaches in funding their campaigns, with one drawing donations from a range of supporters and the other funding his campaign out of his own pocket.

Buffalo Grove Village President Jeff Braiman explained Monday on Patch that he has refused all outside campaign contributions. He is running against Judge Daniel Shanes in the Nov. 6 election.

In an email to Patch, Braiman further explained that he has never accepted contributions for his campaigns. While judges, like other candidates, are allowed to fundraise, Braiman said he doesn’t think judicial candidates should do so.

“I am not suggesting that judges alter their decisions based upon what may be a minimal monetary amount, but I believe litigates may feel that the decision was based upon the contribution, which alters the perception of the case and the profession in general,” he wrote. “I don't want to be beholden to any person or group and don't want others to even think I am.”

Candidates who raise or contribute at least $3,000 for a campaign are required to establish a campaign committee and report their income and expenses to the State Board of Elections. As of Thursday, the State Board of Election’s website showed no reports from Braiman. In an email on Thursday, Braiman told Patch that he had just received invoices that will require him to report his expenses.

Meanwhile, Shanes is bringing in significant outside donations, according to reports with the State Board of elections.

Shanes received $2,195 in contributions between July 1 and Sept. 30 through his “Citizens for Judge Shanes” committee.

He began the quarter with $92,883.59 and spent $18,120.82, leaving him with $76,957.77. He reported $60,000 in debts and obligations, according to the State Board of Elections.

He also reported receiving $25,500 in October from a series of donors all employed by Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

Additional contributions of $1,000 or more in October included $1,000 from the Lake County Republican Central Committee, $3,000 from a retired teacher and $4,400 from Citizens from Judge Schippers. Tom Schippers is running for judge in a nearby Lake County subcircuit.

In his Local Voices post on Patch, Braiman indicated that he’s unfazed by the numbers.

“This may mean that my campaign is underfunded, and as we all know in politics, it may mean that I lose this election. That being said, I am confident that I made the right decision,” he wrote.

If Braiman wins the election, he'll be required to step down at Buffalo Grove's village president. If he loses, he'll remain at the village's helm until his term expires in 2015.

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