Ruth and Tognarelli form campaign committees in retention bids

Madison County Circuit Judge Richard Tognarelli has raised $27,275 in his bid for retention to another six-year term in the November election.

Tognarelli, first elected circuit judge in an uncontested election in 2008, presides over the Third Circuit's drug court.

He formed a campaign organization, "Yes for Tognarelli Committee" last month chaired by retired Illinois Supreme Court justice Philip Rarick of Troy and retired Madison County circuit judge Charles Romani of Glen Carbon. Retired circuit judge Ed Ferguson serves as committee treasurer.

Tognarelli's committee accepted $17,925 in 61 itemized individual contributions mostly from area attorneys in amounts ranging from $125 to $1,000. The single $1,000 contribution was from St. Louis attorney James Holloran, husband of former Madison County circuit judge and congressional candidate Ann Callis.

The committee also received $7,475 in non-itemized individual contributions; $250 each in transfers from Friends of Clayborne and Southwest Area Council AFT COPE; and $1,375 in non-itemized transfers.

Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth, also first elected and unopposed in 2008, seeks retention to the Third Circuit as well.

His committee formed last month, "Retain Ruth 2014," is chaired by State Sen. William Haine of Alton. Its treasurer is Tonya Genovese of Glen Carbon.

The only contribution made to date is a $5,000 loan Ruth made on June 17.

Ruth presides over major civil litigation, a docket in the Law Division which consists of cases seeking damages in excess of $50,000.