William Johnston, of Darlington, recently filed for non-candidacy in the 2015 spring race for the position of Lafayette County Circuit Court Judge, after serving in the position since 1985 and being re-elected four times.
    Johnston will step down as judge when his current term is completed in July of 2015.
    Guy Taylor, current public defender for Green and Lafayette counties, hopes to shift his position in the courtroom and fill the seat on the bench that will be left vacant by Johnston’s retirement. 
    On Wednesday, Nov. 26, Taylor announced his candidacy for the Lafayette County Circuit Judge position for next year’s spring election.
    In a press release, Taylor noted that he has been a courtroom attorney since graduating from UW Law School in 1987, and has served Lafayette County as a public defender in cases going back to 1988.
    “I look forward to living in and serving the community in this new role,” said Taylor in a press release. “I pledge to bring the same dedication, organization and integrity to the post if the people will have me.”
    Dan Gartzke, a New Glarus attorney, announced his candidacy for Green County Circuit Court, Branch 1, which is currently filled by Judge James Beer, who will be running for re-election
    The 2015 spring election will take place on April 7 with primaries on Feb. 17.