James M. Odom, 43, resides in Sparta. He is an attorney and an information technology professional. He is married to Margaret and has four children, Alice, Clara, Samuel and Daniel (due in September 2010). He was raised in Southern Illinois, graduated from Benton High School in 1985 and received his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale in 1988. He received a Doctor of Laws from Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis in 1995. He was also publisher of a local newspaper in Northeast Indiana for over 2 years.

Says Mr. Odom on his candidacy, "I am a political outsider, but have been a Randolph County Republican precinct committeeman for over 2 years. Though a Republican, I'm a true tea party candidate: one that believes that government is severely trampling our freedoms, and doing a lousy job at the things they do besides. The current Randolph County Clerk hasn't established the sparkling reputation for integrity which needs to be associated with that position. It is not good that one political party control every office in our County Courthouse, guaranteeing that nobody is there to look over their shoulders, to guarantee that they are seeing to the people's business, not party business or funny business. It is most definitely TIME FOR CHANGE!

Among the specific issues Mr. Odom plans to address if elected, he noted a need and desire among the voters of the County for new blood at the Randolph County Courthouse, which has been controlled for decades by a single party. As a lawyer and information technology professional, he understands the critical importance of a need for more meticulous keeping of public records, and the value of using 21st century technology to give the people open, easy and accurate access to this vital information. Most importantly, Mr. Odom is committed to ensuring fair elections for the citizens of Randolph County. He adds that, "Unlike most politicians today, I understand that as a public official, I am not the ultimate authority over my office, but rather will eventually answer to my Creator for the integrity with which I execute such an office. I would be honored to serve the citizens of this very historic, pre-revolutionary region of our nation, where Illinois began!"