Former Shelby County State's Attorney and present Christian County State's Attorney Tom Finks has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Circuit Judge of the 4th Judicial Circuit, to succeed retiring Judge John P. Coady of Taylorville. The 4th Judicial Circuit consists of Christian, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Marion, Montgomery and Shelby Counties.

Finks was born and raised in Shelbyville and graduated from DePauw University and Southern Illinois University School of Law with honors. He served as Managing Editor of the Law Review. Finks was licensed to practice law in Illinois in 1984.

Finks has extensive civil practice experience and has served as an Illinois prosecutor in State's Attorney's offices for 15 of his 24 years as an attorney. He served as an Assistant State's Attorney in Effingham County from 2001 through 2007. He has also served as an Assistant State's Attorney and then elected State's Attorney in Shelby County.

In Christian County, Finks was appointed State's Attorney in August 2007 to complete the term of Brad Paisley, appointed as an Associate Circuit Judge of the 4th Judicial Circuit. Finks was then elected State's Attorney by the people of Christian County, which is the position he presently holds.

Finks said his extensive and varied experience as a private attorney and as a prosecutor makes him a good choice as the Democratic nominee. "While appearing before more than 100 judges throughout the state, I have handled thousands of criminal and civil cases. At the same time, I have worked with hundreds of attorneys, police agencies and officers. "Both my life experiences and extensive legal experience have prepared me to serve as judge. Experience is the best teacher and is invaluable in serving as a fair and effective Judge”, said Finks.

Finks is a member of the Taylorville Evangelical Free Church and is on the Board of Directors of the Loving Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center in Taylorville. He has been an active volunteer with many youth sports organizations including Little League boy's baseball and girl's softball and YMCA basketball. He is also a member of the Illinois State Bar and Christian County Bar Associations.

Finks is married to the former Valerie Hayes of Nokomis. They have 4 children---Makenzie, age 15; Chase, 14; Makala, 10; and Caydon, 21 months.

The Primary election is February 2, 2010.