Kordus withdraws from judge’s race

Corporation counsel was sole name on ballot for Habeck’s seat
By: 
Tim Ryan
Reporter

SHAWANO — Shawano County Corporation Counsel Tony Kordus has withdrawn from the circuit court judge’s race in the April 7 election.

Kordus, who was the only candidate on the ballot in that race, cited personal reasons and would not elaborate further.

“I’ve got some other stuff going on,” he said.

Kordus said he will continue as county corporation counsel.

Branch 1 of Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court is currently overseen by Judge James Habeck, who is retiring when his term expires on July 31.

Because it is a state office, candidates register with the state elections commission.

Shawano County Clerk Pam Schmidt said she was notified by the state that there is a registered write-in candidate for the judgeship, Elisabeth Stockbridge.

Stockbridge is an assistant public defender in Shawano County. A call to Stockbridge for comment was not immediately returned.

Kordus’ withdrawal complicates the judge’s race given that voters are already casting absentee ballots, Schmidt said.

She said the most likely scenario is that Kordus will win the election and the governor will have to appoint someone to fill the judge’s seat.