Judge Richard Brown announces his candidacy

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Associate Judge Richard A. Brown has announced that he is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Resident Circuit Judge of Randolph County. Judge William A. Schuwerk, Jr., currently holds the position but recently submitted his letter of intent to retire to the Illinois Supreme Court. His retirement will be effective on October 31, 2010. His successor will be elected in the November 2, 2010, election.

Judge Brown was appointed Associate Circuit Judge in December, 2004. As the Associate Judge, he has presided over cases throughout the 20th Circuit. The Circuit includes the counties of St. Clair, Monroe, Washington, Randolph, and Perry. Prior to his appointment, Judge Brown was a partner in the firm of Schuwerk, Brown and Arbeiter. He served as the Randolph County Public Defender from 1978-1996.

"I would be honored to have the opportunity to succeed Judge Schuwerk on the bench. As the Associate Judge, I have learned much from him and the other Circuit Judges of the 20th Circuit with whom I have had the privilege to serve. This experience has prepared me to assume the responsibilities of the office," stated Judge Brown in making his announcement.

Judge Brown received the endorsement of the Randolph County Democratic Central Committee at its meeting on Monday, September 28.

Judge Brown is a life-long resident of Chester. He graduated from Chester High School in 1970. He received a bachelor's degree in Economics from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1974 and was a 1977 graduate of the SIUC School of Law.

Judge Brown and his wife, Barb, have three sons: Jay, Matt and Nate.