Interest Groups seek Judicial Inquiry Board investigation of Karmeier

The AP is reporting that three public interest groups are asking the state board that looks into allegations of judicial misconduct to investigate Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier.

Common Cause, Citizen Action Illinois and Business and Professional People for the Public Interest filed a Complaint with the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board that alleges that donations to Karmeier from State Farm and Philip Morris created an "appearance of impropriety."

Complainants' Request for Investigation of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier is based upon Justice Karmeier's violation of Canons 1, 2 and 3 of the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct and Illinois Supreme Court Rules 61, 62 and 63(C) (1) (a) by refusing to recuse himself from, participating in, and casting the decisive vote: (1) in favor of State Farm in the Avery case, and (2) in favor of Philip Morris Incorporated in the Price case.

During a 2004 election race that broke state and national spending records for judicial seats, Karmeier accepted money from groups affiliated with the companies, according to the Complaint filed with the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board.

Karmeier then voted in favor of the companies after taking his seat on the court.