Elkhorn Independent Staff
Longtime Walworth County Judge John Race has informed Gov. Scott Walker he intends to retire on Dec. 30.
“I’m 78. I don’t want to be carried out feet first,” Race said.
He submitted a letter to Walker’s office last Tuesday announcing his intent to retire.
Race has served on the bench for 29 years after being appointed by Gov. Tony Earl in 1984. He ran for election one year later, enduring a primary and general election. He has not been challenged in an election since.
“My term is up July 31, 2015,” Race said. “I didn’t plan on running again because judicial elections are very costly now.”
On Friday, the governor’s office issued a solicitation for attorneys to apply for appointment to Race’s bench seat. The deadline for applications is Friday, Oct. 11.
The individual appointed will be required to run for election within a year.
Race publicly encouraged family court commissioner Kristine Drettwan to apply for appointment. He said he does not know what other attorneys might be interested.
Prior to his appointment in 1984, Race practiced law in Elkhorn for 17 years. As a judge, he rotated between the criminal, civil and family courts every two years.
Race has been on the family court bench since Aug. 1.
“That’s the most unpleasant branch of court a judge can serve in … because of the bickering,” Race said. “And then they put the kids in the middle and bicker about that.
“I just got through being angry and kicking people out of the courtroom just simply because they’re bickering and they’re using me to beat each other up,” he continued.
In parting, Race said he’ll miss hearing thought-provoking cases.
“It’s the excitement or the pressure or how to handle a case. What’s going on. The intrigue and tension. The drama of a lawsuit. I’ll miss that, but I won’t miss the bickering,” he said.
Race also thanked the residents of Walworth County for their support across the years.
“It’s just been a great 29 years,” he said. “I want to leave on a high note in good health.”
