Write-in candidate opposing 'impostor judge' eligible to run, judge rules

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The write-in race is back on for a Cook County judgeship.

Cook County Judge Maryam Ahmad will be allowed to wage a write-in campaign against former law clerk Rhonda Crawford, who has been accused of impersonating a judge.

Judge Al Paul ruled Wednesday that Ahmad's primary loss -- in a different judge race -- doesn't disqualify her from running against Crawford, as city election officials had determined.

The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners had ruled that Judge Maryam Ahmad could not run for the 1st Judicial Subcircuit seat, which includes the city's South Side and some south suburbs.

Wednesday's court decision clears the way for Ahmad to run as a write-in.

Election officials will not appeal the decision.