The Monroe County political arena has been dominated by news of Republican party hopefuls of late. This week, it’s the Democrats’ turn as they unveiled their slate of local candidates.

Joining incumbent Democrat Monroe County Circuit Clerk Sandy Sauget, who announced her re-election campaign last week, are two candidates for state’s attorney and one for coroner.

Dennis Field of Waterloo and Heather Westcoat Dabler of Columbia have thrown their hats into the ring for the state’s attorney office to be vacated by fellow Democrat Kris Reitz in 2016. Field and Dabler will face each other in the March primary for the right to challenge the Republican primary winner next November.

Cassy Diehl Goldschmidt of Columbia announced she is running for county coroner. So far, she is unopposed in her party.

Field is a partner in the Strellis & Field law firm in Waterloo and has practiced law in Monroe County since 1988.

“I have extensive experience in the prosecution of civil trials and criminal defense in both state and federal courts,” he said. “After nearly 30 years of a successful private practice, I am now committed to represent the people of Monroe County.”

Field is an active member of The First Christian Church and is a leader in the men’s ministry and choir there. He is admitted to practice law in Illinois, the Southern District Court of Illinois, and Eastern District Court of Missouri.

He is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association, St. Clair County Bar Association, Illinois Bar Association and American Bar Association. He also is an honorary member of Ironworkers Local 392 of East St. Louis.

Dabler is an attorney with the law firm of Susan Parnell Wilson in Belleville, with concentration in domestic litigation. Before that, she was with the firm Freeark, Harvey and Mendillo, also in Belleville, where she concentrated in medical malpractice and insurance defense.

Her experience at  both firms included trial cases. She is a 2003 graduate of the University of Missouri and 2006 graduate of the Southern Illinois University School of Law.

“I am seeking the position of state’s attorney to ensure that my children continue to live in one of the safest communities in the state,” she said. “I would vigorously prosecute all criminal offenses, but particularly, violent offenses. I would also like to implement programs that address the issues of domestic violence and drug abuse in the county.”

Dabler and her husband, Nick, a teacher, have three children. Her father is a retired union carpenter, and her mother is retired from AT&T, where she was a member of CWA Union 4217.
Republican state’s attorney candidates who will face off in the March primary are Myron Hanna and Chris Hitzemann.

Goldschmidt is the daughter of Paul Diehl, a Waterloo businessman, and Jenelle Palmer, a retired teacher who taught in the Waterloo School District for 35 years.

She attended Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic School and Gibault Catholic High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Illinois. She is completing a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy.

Goldschmidt is a survivor of Stage IV ovarian cancer.

“Friends, family and complete strangers came to support me during this difficult time. I was reminded why I love this community,” she said.

Goldschmidt returned to school for the pharmacy degree because she wanted to be able to make a positive difference in others’ lives.

“That’s why I’m running for the office of coroner. I would like to go to schools and teach children about the dangers of drugs,” she said.

Cassy and her husband, Chad, have three children. Her great-grandfather, Joe McCarthy, served as Monroe County sheriff and treasurer. Another great-grandfather, August Kipping served as game warden for many years.

Bob Hill has announced his candidacy for coroner on the Republican side.

The Democrats have not yet announced a candidate for the county commissioner seat to be vacated by Republican Terry Liefer. Republicans Mark Altadonna and Vicki Koerber will face off in the primary.

Also on the Republican side, Lisa Fallon announced she is running for circuit clerk.