Candidate for Judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit - ANNE KEELEY
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[As both a life-long resident of the Metro-East area and a Democrat, it is a great honor and privilege for me to be a candidate for Judge in the Democrat primary for the 20th Judicial circuit.
I have looked upon 'equality', 'justice' and 'independence' not just as words, but as principals that have guided my actions in my life and my career. My passion is the law and what the Constitution stands for and throughout my career I have zealously worked to make sure that the principals of the Constitution were upheld. Being a Judge is a dream I have had throughout my entire career.
After I graduated from Collinsville High School, I attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. During my last quarter, I served as the first legislative intern for Representative Monroe Flynn. I went on to receive my B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois. While at U of I, I was employed as a research assistant at the Institute of Government and Public Affairs. I then obtained my Law Degree from St. Louis University School. While at law school, I also participated in additional studies at Oxford University in England; and obtained a certification in forensic pathology from St. Louis University School of Medicine and worked as a research assistant for Professor Johnson and published an article in a legal practice book.
Since graduating from law school, I became licensed in Illinois, Missouri and the Southern District of Illinois. With over 28 years of service, I have been privileged to receive a diverse and wide-range of experience, which has enhanced my understanding and respect for consideration of both sides - thus enabling me to preserve the integrity of the bench as Judge.
I have served as Appellate Prosecutor for the Fifth Judicial District, as well as Law Clerk for the Illinois Appellate Court and the Illinois Supreme court, handling any and all civil and criminal cases ranging from contract law to the death penalty. As Assistant State's Attorney for the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office, I fought for victims of all ages and ethnic groups working in domestic court, child support, traffic, misdemeanor, DUI and juvenile abuse and neglect. Through the Illinois Attorney General's Office, I helped protect Senior Citizens from Consumer Fraud and as Assistant Public Defender for the St. Clair County Public Defender's Office I handled all levels of felonies, helping to protect the constitutional rights of persons charged with a crime regardless of age, race, sex or religion. I also served as Adjunct professor at South Western Illinois College where I taught legal research and writing and litigation support. My hours entitled me to be in the union.
My volunteer and community service activities have included current Board Member of the Monroe County YMCA, past President of the St. Joseph Parish Council - including Chair of various functions and on-site school duties, past Vice-President of the Board of the Freeburg Swim Team, served as YOSI swim team Parent with the UMCA, the Magic Gymnastics Parents
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Keeley Candidate Statement
Club, Past Board member of the covered Bridge Home Owners Association, volunteered to participate as Judge for the Mandatory Arbitration Center, volunteered for the Domestic Violence Board through the St. Clair County Family Court Division, worked with the Domestic Violence Shelter in Belleville, volunteered to be part of the Drug Court Program and was instrumental in the enhancement and expansion of the St. Clair County Domestic Violence Courtroom Program and gave numerous speeches to women's groups about the newly organized courtroom program.
Ultimately, the most important endorsement in any campaign is the one that comes from the voters - in this case, the people of the 20th Judicial circuit. I was encouraged to run for Judge by many people prior to entering this race - and people continue to offer their encouragement and support each and every day as I campaign throughout the Circuit. As I speak with the people throughout the five county circuit I have learned that they are looking for a Judge who stands on experience, honesty, integrity, commitment to fairness & impartiality, up-holding the law, values and character.
My campaign will be focused on communicating my qualifications, my passion for the law and equality and justice and my commitment to the people of the 20th Judicial Circuit. Adlai Stevenson said in a speech in 1955, "We mean by 'politics' the people's business - the most important business there is."
My decision to run for Judge is supported by my wonderful husband Geno and my two outstanding daughters, Bridget and Katie who are currently attending the University of Illinois.