Robert 'Bob' Burkhalter, 44, of Champaign announced Wednesday his candidacy for the Democratic nomination to the office now held by Katie Blakeman. URBANA — A 12-year employee of the Champaign County court system plans to run in the March 2020 primary for Champaign County circuit clerk. Robert "Bob" Burkhalter, 44, of Champaign announced Wednesday his candidacy for the Democratic nomination to the office now held by Katie Blakeman. Blakeman, a Republican, has been circuit clerk since 2012 and intends to run for re-election. read more