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Rock County judges running unopposed

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Michael Fitzpatrick

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Ken Forbeck

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Richard Werner

JANESVILLE — All three of the Rock County judges running for election in April are incumbents, but only one has been elected to the job.

Two were appointed and are on the ballot for the first time. All three are running unopposed for six-year terms.

Rock County has seven circuit court judges.

Branch 3

Michael Fitzpatrick, 50, Janesville, was appointed in August 2008.

"It's been a real honor and privilege to serve the people of Rock County," he said. "I have found it a very interesting and a very rewarding job."

Fitzpatrick has practiced law in Rock County for nearly 25 years, working on criminal and civil cases. He was an attorney with Brennan, Steil and Basting law firm in Janesville.

He received his bachelor's degree and law degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Branch 5

Ken Forbeck, 63, Beloit, was appointed in 2007.

"Serving as judge in Rock County is one of the most challenging, interesting and fulfilling jobs and a vital function of democracy," Forbeck said in a news release. "I will continue to serve with fairness, integrity and the compassion that is required of this position."

Forbeck has practiced law in Rock County since 1970, specializing in civil, business and municipal law. He was an attorney at Forbeck, Elliott & Monahan for 34 years. He also has worked in the Rock County District Attorney's Office.

He received his bachelor's degree and law degree from Marquette University.

Branch 6

Richard Werner will seek re-election for a third term in the spring.

Werner, 60, Janesville, was appointed in 1996 and has been elected twice.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Rock County for the past 12 years," Werner said in a news release. "I pledge to continue to provide fair and impartial justice to all that appear before me."

Werner has practiced law in Rock County since 1973. He has served as a family court commissioner. He also has presided over juvenile cases as judge.

He currently presides over Drug Court and criminal cases.

Werner received his bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from the University of North Dakota.