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Southern Illinois justice named state Supreme Court chief

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier, a southern Illinois native who represents the region on the court, has been elected its next chief justice.

Karmeier has held a spot on the high court since winning a contentious 2004 election, and he prevailed in his effort to keep his seat in 2014.

Now, the Nashville resident will serve a three year term as chief justice starting next month, taking his place at the top of the state's judicial system.

"I appreciate the confidence shown by the other members of the court in electing me to this position," Karmeier, a Republican, said in a statement. "Since joining the court in 2004, I have had the privilege of serving under five different chief justices, all of whom have done an outstanding job. I will do my very best to live up to the high standard they have set."

In Illinois, the chief justices rotate, and Karmeier was the most senior justice who hadn't yet held the spot. Chief justices here are elected by members of the court, not appointed like U.S. Supreme Court justices.

Karmeier will succeed Justice Rita Garman of Danville on Oct. 26, the court announced Monday.

"Justice Karmeier is one of those rare individuals who can graciously offer and accept constructive criticism," Garman said in a statement. "As a result, his comments to me have often improved my opinions; my comments to him are always given due consideration."

Karmeier represents the court's 5th district, which includes all of southern Illinois stretching as far north as Christian County.

He wrote the court's unanimous opinion in 2015 striking down the attempt by lawmakers and then-Gov. Pat Quinn to cut teacher and state employee pensions.

And his campaigns for the seats have been major races, drawing heated opposition.

Karmeier worked as an Illinois Supreme Court clerk in the 1960s and served as both a state's attorney and judge for Washington County.

The chief judge's powers include being the top administrator for all Illinois courts.