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Donald Chewning
Donald Chewning was a candidate for the Branch 3 seat on the Manitowoc County Circuit Court in Wisconsin. Chewning was defeated in the primary election on February 21, 2017.
Biography
Chewning earned his B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. He later received his J.D. from Marquette University. Chewning was a partner at Winter, Chewning & Gear, LLP from 2005 until he started his own practice in 2014.[1]
Campaign themes
2017
Chewning's campaign website included the following themes for 2017:
| “ |
My Background and the Role of a Circuit Court Judge I have practiced in several areas of the law, including civil litigation, criminal defense, general practice, and social security disability. I have built a successful practice, which required not only mastering the law, but becoming a small businessperson as well. This experience gives me insight into the many different types of cases brought in circuit court. It also gives me an understanding of what the legal process is like for the individuals and small businesses that find themselves before the court. I am a student of the law and our Constitution. I understand that the role of the judiciary is not to make the law. That is the job of elected politicians at the local, state, and federal levels. I will work hard to apply the law in a just and fair manner as your circuit court judge. By graduating first in my law school class, I demonstrated the ability to research law and retain complex information. These are critical skills for a judge. Laws can change frequently, making it necessary for a circuit court judge to stay abreast of new developments. I have seen judging at the highest levels in the state. After law school, I had the opportunity to serve as a clerk with our state supreme court. I am honored that my performance in that role has led to the endorsements of Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley and recently-retired Justice David T. Prosser. A judge should also have a temperament that fosters respect for the court and the law. A judge should not be swayed by passion or emotion, but by a respect for the law and fairness to the parties. Should I be elected, I will preside in a manner worthy of the title “Your Honor.” Facing Manitowoc County’s Drug Problem My wife and I live and raise our family in Manitowoc County just like you. One of the most pressing issues facing our community is the plague of heroin and opiate drug abuse. This has a direct impact on crime beyond the illegal act of selling and purchasing the drugs. Street crime follows, lives are destroyed, and community resources are exhausted. The threat is so dire that it is time for all hands on deck. The courts can play a role in addressing this problem. I support the continuing efforts to establish a drug court if funding is available. The most direct impact a judge can have is by handing down appropriate sentences for those who prey on our community.[2][3] |
” |
| —Don Chewning (2017) | ||
Elections
2017
Bob Dewane and Patricia Koppa defeated Donald Chewning in the primary election for the Branch 3 seat on the Manitowoc County Circuit Court.
| Manitowoc County Circuit Court, Branch 3 Primary Election, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Bob Dewane |
48.78% | 2,094 |
| Patricia Koppa |
40.04% | 1,719 |
| Donald Chewning | 10.99% | 472 |
| Write-in votes | 0.19% | 8 |
| Total Votes | 4,293 | |
| Source: Manitowoc County, "Election Results for February 21, 2017," accessed February 21, 2017 | ||
Selection method
For more information about judicial selection processes in each state, click here.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Chewning for Judge, "Meet Don," accessed January 23, 2017
- ↑ Chewning for Judge, "Home," accessed January 23, 2017
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
Federal courts:
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Wisconsin, Western District of Wisconsin • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Wisconsin, Western District of Wisconsin
State courts:
Wisconsin Supreme Court • Wisconsin Court of Appeals • Wisconsin Circuit Courts • Wisconsin Municipal Courts
State resources:
Courts in Wisconsin • Wisconsin judicial elections • Judicial selection in Wisconsin
