DARLINGTON - Duane Jorgenson and Kate Findley will go head-to-head in the April 7 election to determine who will succeed William Johnston as the next Lafayette County circuit court judge. The two were the top vote-getters from a field of four in Tuesday's primary election.
Jorgen-son, a Darlington attorney, led the pack with 897 votes, and Findley, Lafayette County's district attorney, finished with 409 votes to advance. Gayle Jebbia, a Dodgeville attorney, and Guy Taylor, assistant district attorney with Green and Lafayette counties, finished with 349 and 285 votes, respectively.
"I feel very good about this, and I'm very gratified with the support from the people of Lafayette County," Jorgenson said about the primary results Tuesday night. "My words really can't express the feelings that I have for them.
"I think people realize I have devoted my career to the practice of law in Lafayette County, and I think the results reflect that."
Findley said she knew the primary race between the four candidates would be tight and she expects nothing less in the spring election.
"This was a race with four candidates, and all of us have a lot of experience so it was bound to be close," she said after the polls closed. "It means a lot to me that people got out and voted - especially in the frigid weather.
"I think it's going to be a close race in April. The spring turnout isn't usually that high compared to November elections, but (Jorgenson) and I both have a lot of experience and we're qualified."
There were 1,940 total votes cast in Lafayette County Tuesday.
Johnston, who has held the judge position since 1985, will retire when his term ends July 31. Wrapping up 30 years on the bench, Johnston never had an opponent in his four re-elections.
Jorgen-son, a Darlington attorney, led the pack with 897 votes, and Findley, Lafayette County's district attorney, finished with 409 votes to advance. Gayle Jebbia, a Dodgeville attorney, and Guy Taylor, assistant district attorney with Green and Lafayette counties, finished with 349 and 285 votes, respectively.
"I feel very good about this, and I'm very gratified with the support from the people of Lafayette County," Jorgenson said about the primary results Tuesday night. "My words really can't express the feelings that I have for them.
"I think people realize I have devoted my career to the practice of law in Lafayette County, and I think the results reflect that."
Findley said she knew the primary race between the four candidates would be tight and she expects nothing less in the spring election.
"This was a race with four candidates, and all of us have a lot of experience so it was bound to be close," she said after the polls closed. "It means a lot to me that people got out and voted - especially in the frigid weather.
"I think it's going to be a close race in April. The spring turnout isn't usually that high compared to November elections, but (Jorgenson) and I both have a lot of experience and we're qualified."
There were 1,940 total votes cast in Lafayette County Tuesday.
Johnston, who has held the judge position since 1985, will retire when his term ends July 31. Wrapping up 30 years on the bench, Johnston never had an opponent in his four re-elections.