North Cook News

Shannon O’Malley might seem like an ideal name for a Cook County judge candidate when the name could be the only information voters have about the candidates. 

The name's origins are Irish – political scientists and sociologists say candidates with Irish names have a head start in elections, especially in Cook County – and the first name, Shannon, is given at birth to both boys and girls (girls more frequently), so will appeal to both female and male voters.

It’s a lesson a lawyer considering running under that name for judge in the 13th subcircuit (Palatine, Barrington, Hanover and Schamburg) apparently learned the hard way. He ran in 2010 for a spot on the 12th Circuit under the name Phillip Spiwak and lost in the Republican primary.

Phillip Spiwak and family

Now he’s Irish. The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Illinois Supreme Court has the former Phillip Spiwak licensed to practice law as Shannon Phillip O’Malley. He specializes in criminal defense and personal injury law, according to his Facebook page, and has offices in Schaumburg, Warrenville and Orland Park.

He did not return a call from North Cook News seeking comment on why he changed his name and to verify that he is running, but political insiders say he’s leaning toward running as a Democrat for one of the three empty seats on the subcircuit.

The Republican field, with five announced candidates, is a crowded one, but a Democrat will be at a decided disadvantage in the heavily Republican district.

Candidates must file with the Illinois Board of Elections between Nov. 27 and Dec. 4. The primary election day is March 20, three days after St. Patrick’s Day.

If O’Malley puts his name in, it will be “an act of pure subterfuge,” Aaron Del Mar, Republican committeeman for Palatine Township, said.

“The name is intended for broad appeal in a race where voters know next to nothing about the candidates,” Del Mar, who is also the campaign manager for Republican candidate and attorney Christine Svenson, said.

It will be a nice pay off if O’Malley pulls it off. The job comes with a minimum salary of $185,000 and includes benefits and a state pension, and a judge stands for retention once every seven years.

“Once you’re in, you’re a lifer especially if you have an Irish name,” Del Mar said.