Harrison to run for Circuit Judge

Following a proud family tradition, Madison County Associate Judge Clarence Harrison will announce his intention to seek a higher office--the seat vacated by the retired Circuit Judge Philip Kardis.

Harrison, who will hold a press conference at Harrison Hospital in Collinsville on Wednesday--must first fend off any potential contenders in a March 21, 2006 primary race. He will run as a Democrat.

The general election is Nov. 7, 2006.

Harrison is a fourth generation of public servants. His father, Justice Moses Harrison, served as a local lawyer and judge and was an Illinois Supreme Court Justice.

His grandfather was a dentist and great-grandfather was a doctor who established one of the area's first hospitals and tuberculosis clinics. The Collinsville hospital was named in his honor.

After receiving business and law degrees from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Harrison returned to Madison County to serve as an attorney for 10 years.

In addition to general law, Harrison argued appellate-level cases in Illinois, Missouri, and Nebraska prior to his appointment to the bench.

Harrison has served as an associate judge for the past six years, hearing a wide variety of cases including family, civil, and criminal cases.

He also is the mental health judge, and on Friday’s spends his time in Bond County hearing cases that range from small claims to criminal.

Harrison is a life-long resident of Collinsville where he resides with his wife of 14 years and his two young daughters.

He has been endorsed by the Collinsville Democratic Precinct Committee and will seek the endorsement of the entire Madison County Democratic Party.