Back on the bench

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Win or lose, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge William S. Pocan was not going to alter his campaign approach heading into the general election on April 3.

“I told myself that I would maintain my views until the end and finish with my dignity intact,” said Pocan.

The strategy paid-off on the ballots of at least 1,122 voters who made the difference in electing Pocan to his first full term.

Pocan, who was appointed to the Branch 26 seat last year, earned 40,917 votes and edged Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney, Christopher A. Liegel, who gained 39,795.

“I was slightly surprised, but also didn’t expect this to be a landslide,” said Pocan. “I had seen the polls in March and knew it was going to be relatively close, but I don’t think I thought it was going to be this close.”

Throughout his campaign Pocan promoted his background in family law as a solid foundation for his current position in the Milwaukee County Children’s Court Division.

“My message was that I live in the county and want to be safe like everyone, but that doesn’t necessarily mean putting everyone behind bars,” said Pocan. “Especially when it comes to matters in Children’s Court, there is a need to evaluate a problem and get to the root of it.”

Pocan admitted that his plea for a more cerebral approach was a difficult one to make to voters who deal with daily violence in Milwaukee, but one which the majority ultimately agreed with.

Liegel, who has been with the district attorney’s office for the last 11 years, touted his experience prosecuting violent criminals and sex offenders, more tangible gauges of effectiveness.

“I tried to run on the work I had done and most of it has been as a prosecutor,” said Liegel. “I think it played pretty well with voters.”

The different approaches by the candidates were evident in their promotional material. One of Liegel’s handouts featured him in an overcoat in front of a squad car, while a Pocan flyer pictured the judge with a child.

Each tactic resonated with voters, but Pocan implied his “dual message” made the difference. I think my opponent really focused on the get-tough-on-crime image and I’m in favor of getting tough when you need to, but I also wanted to talk about alternatives,” said Pocan. “I think it was a victory for the dual message.”

Pocan will begin his first elected term of six years on Aug. 1, while Liegel said he plans to remain in the district attorney’s office for the time being.

“I don’t have any interest in leaving right now, but I certainly do plan on running for judge again when a seat opens up,” said Liegel.