SCOTT VOTERS TO ELECT CIRCUIT JUDGE

BENTON, Mo. -- Two Scott County judges are repeating a bid for circuit judge in the 33rd district, but this time voters -- not the governor -- will decide who fills the post.

David A. Dolan and David Mann are both vying for the seat as circuit judge for the 33rd district, which includes Scott and Mississippi counties. Circuit judges are elected to six-year terms and are paid $98,947.

This pairing of candidates isn't unfamiliar. Both men also sought the governor's nomination for the circuit judge seat in 1998 when Anthony Heckemeyer resigned from office to run for U.S. Congress.

Dolan had been the Division IV associate circuit judge prior to being appointed by Gov. Mel Carnahan as circuit judge. He was elected later in 1998 to fill the remainder of Heckemeyer's term.

Mann has been the associate circuit judge in Division V since 1979.

When voters head to the polls Aug. 8 in a primary election, they will have the final say on which judge take office. No Republican candidate filed for the seat so there will be no contested race in the November election.

Dolan is a native of Tennessee and moved to Sikeston, Mo., to set up his legal practice after passing the Tennessee bar in 1981 and the Missouri Bar the following year.

He was elected in 1992 to fill an unexpired term left and then began serving as associate circuit judge in 1993. He is a former prosecuting attorney for the county.

Mann believes his 21 years of experience on the bench give him the experience needed for circuit judge, particularly since he hears a variety of cases from civil issues to criminal matters. "I've got the time and the temperament to do it," he said.

Mann said running against an incumbent is difficult "but all races are tough races." With his experience people already know his name. Yet, some are still surprised to see him knocking on their door to campaign, he said.

"They say You're doing this yourself?' I'm not at every door but at a lot of them," Mann said.

He is a graduate of New Madrid schools and earned his undergraduate degree at Murray State University, and is a graduate of the Memphis State law school. He practiced in a private firm in Sikeston, Mo., for five years. He also was assistant prosecuting attorney for the county. He served in the U.S. Army.

33rd Circuit Judge candidates

David Dolan

Age: 46

Hometown: Sikeston.

Party: Democrat.

Job history: Private practice as an attorney from 1982-1990. Was assistant prosecuting attorney for the county from 1986-90. Elected prosecuting attorney 1991-1993. Elected associate circuit judge for Scott County in 1992 and 1994. Appointed to circuit judge, then elected in 1998.

Education: Graduate of University of Memphis.

Personal: Wife, Julie, and two children.

David Mann

Age: 52

Hometown: Sikeston.

Party: Democrat.

Job history: Five years in private practice. Was a former assistant prosecuting attorney for Scott County. Has been associate circuit judge since 1979.

Education: Graduate of New Madrid schools and Murray State University. Also graduate of Memphis State University School of Law.

Personal: Wife, Beth, one daughter.