Aurora attorney Fred Morelli says he's ready to be a judge again.

He announced his candidacy in the February 2010 Republican Primary for circuit judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit, which includes Kane, DeKalb and Kendall counties.

The 68-year-old has been practicing law for more than 40 years and served as an appointed associate judge from 1976 to 1981. For part of that time, Morelli, at 34, was the youngest judge in the state, he said.

Morelli said his wide variety of experience as a judge, prosecutor, public defender and general practitioner attorney makes him a well qualified candidate for judge.

He also said when he served as judge he ran his courtroom "smoothly and efficiently."

"I am the best person for the job," Morelli said.

Since he first began practicing law in 1967, Morelli has not just served as a lawyer locally, but also at the state and federal court levels across the country.

He's also argued before the Illinois and United States Supreme Court.

Morelli earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Notre Dame and served for seven years in the Illinois National Guard.

He ran unsuccessfully last year for the Aurora sub-circuit race.

He lives with his wife, Maria, in Aurora. The couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.

Sitting Associate Judge Kevin Busch also is seeking the Republican nomination for the circuit-wide judge position.