The governor’s office says 11 people have applied to fill the seat of State Supreme Court Justice David Prosser, who plans to retire at the end of July. The list includes appeals and circuit court judges, Governor Scott Walker’s former chief legal counsel, a member of the Public Service Commission, and one candidate who requested confidentiality.
Seeking the appointment are Appeals Court Judges Mark Gundrum, Brian Hagedorn, and Thomas Hruz, attornies Andrew Brown, Claude Covelli, Paul Scoptur, and Jim Troupis, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Randy Koschnick, Marinette County Circuit Judge James Morrison, and Public Service Commissioner Ellen Nowak.
One final applicant asked that their name not be disclosed, although a spokesman for Walker said the names of all candidates who interview ofr the position will be released at a later date.
Walker spokesman Tom Evenson noted that Judge Koschnick’s daughter is the governor’s current chief legal counsel, she and the deputy legal counsel have recused themselves from the selection process. Instead, Chief of Staff Rich Zipperer and attorney Andrew Hitt will take their place in reviewing the appointment. Michael Brennan is chairing the governor’s Judicial Selection Advisory Committee.
Walker’s office said the governor plans to make a decision on the appointment before Justice Prosser steps down on July 31. The person appointed to the seat would not face re-election until 2020.