Primary Preview: 3 Candidates Running for Milwaukee Judge

Three candidates are vying for the Milwaukee County Circuit Court Branch 45 seat, held by Judge Rebecca Bradley.

The non-partisan Feb. 19 primary election will be contested among Bradley; Janet Protasiewicz, an assistant district attorney; and Gil Urfer, a private practice attorney.

The two candidates to get the most votes will appear in the April election ballot.

Rebecca Bradley

Gov. Scott Walker appointed Bradley, veteran Federalist Society leader, in November 2012 after Judge Tom Donegan retired.

The Wauwatosa resident has spent her legal career in private practice, most recently as a business litigator with the firm Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

According to her website, Bradley volunteered her services to families of developmentally disabled youth in guardianship proceedings.

"I grew up in the City of Milwaukee and have resided in Milwaukee County most of my life," Bradley said in her website. "Like many families, my family and I have experienced crime first hand. I am committed to the safety of every person who lives, works or goes to school in Milwaukee County."

She’s been endorsed by the Milwaukee Police Association, the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters and Milwaukee County Supervisor Deanna Alexander, among others, reported Shepherd Express.

Janet Protasiewicz

Protasiewicz, a resident of Franklin, was a finalist when Walker was choosing someone to take over Donegan’s seat, reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The Marquette Law School graduate has been a Milwaukee County prosecutor for nearly 25 years in both civil and criminal court.

She prosecutes violent felonies and teaches trial advocacy at Marquette University Law School, reported the Shepeherd Express.

"In sentencing a defendant found guilty of a crime, I will look at the seriousness of the offense, the character and rehabilitative needs of the defendant, the rights of the victim to have Justice served and to the protect the citizens of Milwaukee County from further harm by the defendant," said Protasiewicz on her website.

She’s been endorsed by AFSCME District 48, Senate Democrats Chris Larson and Tim Carpenter and Milwaukee County Board Chair Marina Dimitrijevic, among others, reported Shepherd Express.

Gil Urfer

The Wauwatosa resident spent five years an assistant district attorney and as the team captain of the office’s domestic violence unit for almost two years.

Urfer, who was also considered when Donegan retired, currently practices private law as a civil litigator at Nistler Law Office, s.c., reported the Shepherd Express. 

"In my career I have represented a wide variety of clients," Urfer said on his website. "I’ve fought for vulnerable crime victims and represented highly successful businesses. The size of the case or the relative strength of the litigants does not matter—what matters is that the court apply the law to all the parties correctly and consistently."

He's been endorsed by Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, Milwaukee County Board Chair Marina Dimitrijevic and Assembly Democrats Evan Goyke, Jon Richards and Christine Sinicki, among others, reported the Shepherd Express.