By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – 11th Judicial Circuit Judge Casey Costigan announced Tuesday he’s seeking the 2016 Republican nomination for at-large Circuit Judge.

Costigan was appointed as circuit judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in December 2014 to fill the vacancy left when 11th Circuit Chief Judge Elizabeth Robb retired.

Costigan said being a judge goes beyond just the court room.

“I believe that it is part of my job to educate others on the law and the role of the judiciary,” said Costigan. “I frequently speak to students, senior citizens, and specialty groups such as AA, Kiwanis Club, League of Women Voters, and other groups on topics that are relevant to them.”

The 11th Circuit includes Ford, Livingston, Logan, McLean and Woodford Counties. Costigan, a Bloomington native, added experience is necessary to do this job.

“I believe that my approach in handling cases as a judge has been successful,” said Costigan. “As an associate judge, we are evaluated by the Illinois Bar Association every four years. I was up for retention twice. My Bar Association approval ratings for these two retentions was exceeded 97 percent, which is something that I am very proud of.”

Costigan was introduced Tuesday by Robb. She said Costigan “epitomizes” what is expected in a judge.

“A deep and abiding respect for the rule of law. An appreciation for how a judge’s ruling can change forever the lives of those who come before him,” Robb said.

Costigan said if elected he’ll continue to do everything in his power to make the 11th circuit a better place to live.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].