Oral Arguments Set for October in Bailey vs. Pritzker Case

Oral arguments are to be heard October 14 in the case of St. Rep. Darren Bailey vs. Governor J.B. Pritzker in its new venue.

The case was moved from Clay County to Sangamon County and consolidated with similar cases from Edgar County, Bond County, Clinton County and Richland County. The plaintiffs in all of the cases are represented by Greenville attorney Thomas DeVore. Each case basically charges that the governor exceeded his authority in continuing to issue disaster declarations after his initial order issued in March.

Sangamon County Judge Raylene Grischow has ordered the defendants to file responses to the charges by August 31, then the plaintiffs have until September 21 to file any responses. Defendants then will have until October 5 to respond to those filings.

The Illinois Supreme Court was petitioned to consider the matter, but declined to do so and then consolidated the various circuit court cases.

Originally, Pritzker was directed to be in Clay County Circuit Court today to answer why he shouldn't be held in contempt of court for continuing to issue emergency orders after a ruling by Judge Michael McHaney the orders were not valid. That order was stayed by the Supreme Court, which then consolidated the cases in Sangamon County.