PROSECUTOR FILES AGAINST BOLLINGER COUNTY JUDGE

MARBLE HILL -- Bollinger County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Hopkins wants his old job back.

Hopkins filed Tuesday as a Democratic candidate for associate circuit judge.

He hopes to unseat incumbent Scott Thomsen, a Republican who filed for re-election.

Hopkins served as associate circuit judge for 20 years before losing by 84 votes to Thomsen in November 1994.

He was appointed prosecuting attorney by Gov. Mel Carnahan at the end of 1994. He was appointed because no one ran for prosecutor that year.

"I don't really ever plan on retiring," Hopkins said Tuesday. "I love the law.

"I loved working as an associate circuit judge, and I did a very good job of it," Hopkins said.

Hopkins has been in public service for 23 years, going back to his days as an assistant prosecutor.

He said it wasn't difficult making the transition from judge to prosecutor.

Both Hopkins and Thomsen said their election battle won't affect their in-court dealings with each other.

"Lawyers are used to opposing each other," Hopkins said.

Thomsen said: "I don't anticipate it being much of a problem. I knew he was going to run."

Hopkins said he tries to be compassionate in his dealings with everyone. "I don't believe in kicking people when they are down," he said.

"When you are arrogant, word gets out real quick in a rural county," Hopkins said.

Thomsen worked in the public defender's office before running for associate circuit judge.

He enjoys being judge. "I think I have done a good job, and people can judge for themselves," he said.

"I think I have been fair and courteous to everyone that has come into my office," said Thomsen.

He said he has improved the efficiency and professionalism of the office.

As associate circuit judge, Thomsen handles everything from criminal matters to domestic cases.

Thomsen was one of several incumbents who filed for re-election Tuesday, the first day of filing for the fall election.

Presiding Commissioner Elwood Mouser, County Clerk Diane Holzum, Treasurer Naomi Null, Circuit Clerk and Recorder Sharon Lutes and Collector Bob Anderson filed for re-election.

Anderson is a Democrat. The other officeholders are Republicans.

Mouser has served as presiding commissioner for eight years. He faces a challenge from Democrat Kenny Trentham of Marble Hill. Trentham filed for office Tuesday.

Marble Hill lawyer Stephen Gray filed as a Republican candidate for prosecuting attorney.