Zina Cruse is a metro-east native who received her bachelor’s degrees from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) and earned her law degree from Florida State University. Judge Cruse was licensed to practice law in Illinois, Missouri, and Florida, and she practiced law for 15 years before she became an associate circuit judge. She was also a small business owner who owned and operated a title company. Judge Cruse’s legal career included a wide-ranging general practice trying cases in state and federal courts and before administrative tribunals. 

Since February 2009, Judge Cruse has served as an associate circuit judge. In that capacity, Judge Cruse has presided over traffic, probate, criminal, and domestic cases mostly in St. Clair County although she has also presided over some cases in Monroe County. Judge Cruse helped create the mental health court docket which she presides over. She is also creating a veterans’ court which will help serve veterans in the judicial system. 

Judge Cruse is running in the 2012 primary and general elections in a circuit comprised of Monroe, St. Clair, Randolph, Perry, and Washington Counties. She is not running against Dennis Doyle who is Monroe County’s resident circuit judge and who is not on the ballot in 2012. Judge Cruse is running for the position of a circuit judge to succeed Judge Milton Wharton who will retire at the end of this year. Last year Judge Wharton, who usually handles dockets in St. Clair County, presided over the Coleman trial in Monroe County.

Monroe County Democratic Chairman Alan Pirtle said, “Our endorsement of Judge Cruse was overwhelming and enthusiastic. She is very well-qualified, she is experienced and accomplished as a lawyer and judge, and she has the work ethic and dedication to serve Monroe County and the entire region with distinction. As a practicing lawyer, I know that she will make an outstanding circuit judge who we can all be very proud of. She is a worthy successor to Judge Milton Wharton.”  

Judge Cruse is the ONLY candidate in her race for Circuit Judge: 

1. Who received a rating of "RECOMMENDED" to hold judicial office according to the Illinois State Bar Association's Judicial Poll of practicing attorneys who are familar with her. Her opponent received a rating of "NOT RECOMMENDED"; 
2. is ENDORSED by the AFL-CIO's Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council; 
3. Has EXPERIENCE as a judge; 
4. Is ENDORSED by former Monroe County State Representative DAN REITZ. 

For more information about this or any other Press Release from the Monroe County Democrats, please contact info@monroecountydems.com.