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One more in Walworth County judicial race

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Scott Letteney

ELKHORN — Another candidate has entered the race to fill the bench seat to be left vacant next year in Walworth County Circuit Court.

Scott Letteney, Geneva Township municipal judge, this week filed papers to run for the judicial seat.

Walworth County Judge Michael Gibbs said he would not seek re-election when his term expires in 2010. He will complete his third six-year term next year.

Letteney has practiced law in Walworth County since 1995 and has been a municipal judge for the last 10.

"I spent my life in public service, and this was the right direction to take to continue that public service," Letteney said.

He said his campaign has just started and he expects to get moving soon.

"I expect I'll spend a lot of time walking through neighborhoods," he said.

Letteney joins attorney Mark Bromley and Walworth County Court Commissioner David Reddy in the race.

Bromley, of La Grange Township, is a county board supervisor representing the towns of La Grange, Sugar Creek and Whitewater and the city of Whitewater.

Reddy has been Walworth County family court commissioner for four years. He began his law career in 1987 at the Waukesha County District Attorney's Office. In 1992, he went into private practice and worked mostly on civil cases.

"I believe that's one of the things that set me apart from some of the other people who I understand are interested in running," Reddy said. "I've got a broad background in civil and criminal law and now the family law and the probate area law."

District Attorney Phil Koss said he was considering running for Gibbs' seat but last month decided against it. Koss said he would consider running in 2012 if Judge Robert Kennedy decides to not seek re-election.

Judge James Carlson has not made a formal announcement but has plans to seek re-election next year, his clerk said.

Two other Walworth County attorneys have expressed interest running for Gibbs' seat but haven't made decisions.

Lake Geneva-based attorney James Martin said he would make a final decision by next week. He started as a Walworth County assistant district attorney in 1992 and has practiced privately since 1995.

Elkhorn-based attorney Melissa Frost said she is "seriously considering" joining the race.

"It looks very much so like I will be," Frost previously told the Gazette.

Frost has practiced law for 10 years, five of those predominantly in Walworth County. The Gazette was unable to reach her for comment Wednesday.

Candidates must submit a campaign registration statement by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5. To appear on the ballot, candidates need to collect 200 to 400 signatures and submit a statement of economic interests.