Three candidates vying for La Crosse County Circuit Court judge position

Candidates want to fill spot left by Judge Pasell's retirement

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Each of the candidates facing off for the position of La Crosse County Circuit Court judge has years of law experience.

Brian Barton of Onalaska was a former prosecutor for seven years and is a former assistant district attorney. He currently runs his own practice as a criminal defense attorney and said his knowledge in that area is what sets him apart.

“To be a good judge, I think you have to have that practical experience of criminal law to understand how the system works, what other avenues are out there for bond monitoring and sentencing,” Barton said.

Gloria Doyle, also of Onalaska, has 27 years of experience in the legal field, dealing with both family and general law.

“That includes 18 years of private practice doing a number of different areas of the law, and then nine years as family court commissioner. During the time I was an attorney I was also an assistant court commissioner,” Doyle said.

Candice Tlustosch of West Salem was recently appointed by Gov. Scott Walker to temporarily fill the position of La Crosse County circuit court judge until after the spring election. She has ten years of broad legal experience.

“I’ve essentially been practicing all areas of law over the course of my career so I hope that will help me to hit the ground running and have some experience in all areas,” Tlustosch said.

When it comes to sentencing, each candidate has said they will treat cases separately and decide on rulings based on individual details, including the defendant’s prior criminal record.

All La Crosse County voters can vote on Tuesday, Feb. 17 in the primary election. The two candidates who receive the highest number of votes will go head to head April 7.