Falstad, Rotter emerge in Marathon

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Attorney Peter C. Rotter nervously watched the primary results roll in on Feb. 17. With 75 percent of the votes tallied, he was third among five candidates vying for the Branch 1 seat in Marathon County Circuit Court.

But after that last 25 percent were counted, he had secured a spot in the April 7 election by 134 votes over Court Commissioner Sandra J. Marcus.

“It was a nail biter as we watched the returns coming in,” said Rotter, who received 1,619 votes.

Now Rotter, 48, will challenge Marathon County District Attorney Jill N. Falstad, who is no stranger to running and winning campaigns.

Falstad, 49, took first place in the primary with more than 4,100 votes and has been elected district attorney in the county eight times.

“I’ve not always had contested campaigns, but I have a good idea about what things I need to do,” said Falstad, who became the district attorney in 1994.

Falstad said that her extensive experience as a prosecutor lends itself to a smooth transition to the bench.

“Part of what you do as a DA is judge cases and serve in the system as quasi-judicial officer,” Falstad said.

But Rotter suggested that the Marathon County Circuit Court already has enough judges with prosecutorial experience. Both Judge Gregory E. Grau and Judge Gregory B. Huber spent time as prosecutors in the county prior to taking the bench.

While he does not characterize himself as simply a defense attorney, Rotter said since going into private practice seven years ago the bulk of his caseload is criminal defense. He previously worked for Wisconsin Judicare.

“I think I would bring a voice not currently heard on the Marathon County bench,” Rotter said.

Other candidates for the seat included Marcus (1,485 votes), private attorney Alan E. Grischke (582), and Court Commissioner Douglas W. Bauman (452).