FAQ
Why Does Nancy Thome Want to Be a Judge?
For Nancy, serving our community as a judge, is an extension of her belief that “not unto ourselves are we born.”
Nancy's family has a tradition of public and community service. Her father followed his mother, Nancy's grandmother, into the teaching profession. He taught English in public schools for 32 years.
Nancy's public and community service has included being elected to the Baraboo School Board; graduating from the Sauk County Institute of Leadership; and serving on the boards of eight non-profit organizations in Sauk County. Prior to law school, she was a Peace Corps volunteer in the Central African Republic, and then a caseworker at Dane County Human Services. Currently, she is a hospice volunteer for Agrace Hospice, and she is on the board of Devil’s Lake Concessions Corporation.
Her two children, who were born and raised in Baraboo, and graduated from Baraboo High School, are carrying on this family tradition. Her daughter is currently an AmeriCorps volunteer, and her son is in the midst of applying to enlist in the Air Force.
Which Judge is Nancy Thome Running Against?
Nancy Thome is not running against any judge. There is no incumbent. Judge Patricia Barrett has announced her retirement, which has created an open seat in Branch 3.
Who Else is Running?
In addition to Nancy Thome, there is one other candidate who has qualified to be on the ballot. His name is Blake Duren.
I Heard There Was a Third Candidate?
Three candidates collected nomination signatures, but only two candidates qualified to be on the ballot.
When is the Election?
April 2, 2024.
In addition to Nancy Thome, there is only one other candidate, so there will not be a primary for the position of Sauk County Circuit Court Judge Branch 3.
Can I Vote for Nancy Thome?
To vote for Nancy, you must reside in Sauk County, and you must be registered, or eligible to register, to vote in Sauk County. You can see if you are already registered to vote, update your address and other personal information, or register to vote here: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Register-To-Vote
Is this Judicial Election Nonpartisan?
Yes. In Wisconsin, judicial elections are nonpartisan, which means the candidates do not run as a member of a political party.
What is a Circuit Court?
In Wisconsin, the state court has 3 levels: Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court.
"The Wisconsin circuit courts are the state's trial courts. Circuit courts have original jurisdiction in all civil and criminal matters within the state, including probate, juvenile, and traffic matters, as well as civil and criminal jury trials. Currently, there are 261 circuit court judges in Wisconsin.
The circuit courts are divided into branches with at least one branch in every county, with the exception of six counties that are paired off and share judges."1
1 https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/circuit
Do Circuit Courts Hold Trials?
Yes. However, as the above link shows, less than 3% of cases ended in trial in Sauk County in 2022 (the most recent year for which statistics are available). Only 13 were jury trials. The others were "bench" or "court" trials which are decided by the judge alone.
What Work Do Circuit Court Judges Perform?
They write opinions, decisions, and instructions regarding cases. Judges also teach by issuing legal decisions as candidly and clearly as possible that explain what the judge understands the law to be. They preside over hearings and listen to and read arguments by opposing parties. Some of the other things that judges do include:
• Read and evaluate information from documents, such as motions, claim applications, and legal briefs.
• Research legal issues.
• Approve warrants for searches or arrests.
• Work with judicial assistants, court reporters, bailiffs, and other courthouse staff to ensure that the court system operates efficiently and smoothly.
How Does Nancy Thome's Experience Relate to Being a Judge?
Nancy Thome has been an attorney in Baraboo for 28 years. In that time, she has represented clients in more than 30 types of cases that come before the Circuit Court.
She also has 28 years of experience in federal court, mostly in bankruptcy, but also in life insurance contracts and immigration. She has had over 900 cases in federal court. This has allowed her to compare and contrast the federal and state court systems. She has some ideas for how the Sauk County Circuit Court could become more efficient, based on her experience in federal court.
Nancy is a very good writer, and she has more than 18 years of experience teaching law to lawyers, law students, and paralegal students.