Judy Cates and Steve McGlynn are vying for a seat on the 5th District Appellate Court in Mount Vernon.

Cates, a Swansea lawyer and a Democrat, ran for the seat on the appellate bench four years ago, but lost out to James Wexstten in the primary.

McGlynn, a Republican, was appointed to the appellate court in 2005, but lost his bid for the appellate seat in 2006 when he was beaten in the general election by Democrat Bruce Stewart.

In 2010, McGlynn was apppointed to the St. Clair County Circuit Court, where he continues to serve.

Voters should consider judicial elections important because, McGlynn says, they are most likely to come into direct contact with that branch of government than any other.

Eighty-five percent of cases that are appealed end at the appellate court level, Cates said, with two judges of a panel of three making the determination of law that could be used as a precedent for cases around the state.

Each candidate points to their experience as a reason for voters to mark the X on the box near their name.

Cates teaches law at Washington University and is a former prosecutor, who handled juvenile cases and felonies. She is a plaintiff's lawyer who specializes in complex litigation.

"It takes a lot of experience to be on the appellate court in a lot of different things," Cates said. "No one in this race has the experience that I do."

McGlynn previously served on the appellate court bench after he was appointed by Supreme Court Judge Lloyd Karmeier, a fellow Republican. He currently serves as a circuit judge in St. Clair County.

"I am the only candidate in this race who has judicial experience," McGlynn said. "The Illinois State Bar Association has said that I am highly qualified. They took a long look and they thought I was highly qualified. We don't want replacement refs on the appellate court."

McGlynn received the Illinois Chamber of Commerce's endorsement. Cates received the endorsement from the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police.

Contact reporter Beth Hundsdorfer at bhundsdorfer@bnd.com or 239-2570.