December 2005

State Bar announces candidates for 2006 elections

Basting

Carnell

Thomas J. Basting Sr. and Kent I. Carnell, both of Madison, have accepted nominations to run for 2006 State Bar president-elect. Basting with Brennan, Steil & Basting and Carnell with Lawton & Cates were selected by the State Bar Nominating Committee, which is chaired by former President George Burnett of Green Bay.

Nominees for secretary are Micabil Diaz Martinez, Madison, and Gretchen G. Viney, Baraboo. Nominees for Judicial Council are Jason J. Hanson, Madison, and Robert L. McCracken, Manitowoc.

"The State Bar of Wisconsin is recognized as one of the best in the nation, and I am honored to have this opportunity to campaign to be its president," says Basting. "I welcome the chance to provide my style of leadership to this great professional organization and to give something back to a profession that has given me so much."

"I am honored that I have been nominated to run for President of the State Bar," says Carnell. "I am hopeful that my experience in the legal trenches, as well as serving on the Board of Governors for the last four and one-half years, can be used to lead the organization to better serve all of its members and to deal with the issues that affect our ability to practice law."

The president-elect serves a one-year term before becoming president. The secretary serves two years, and the Judicial Council representative serves three years. Members interested in running for one of these offices can run by filing a petition signed by 100 active Bar members. Petitions must be filed at the State Bar by Feb. 1. To receive a petition, contact Jan Marks at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6106, or (608) 250-6106.

Board of Governors petitions due in March. Districts 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 16 will elect governors in 2006. District 2 (Milwaukee) elects five; District 6 (Waukesha) elects two; District 9 (Dane) elects four; and all other districts elect one. The Board of Governors is the State Bar's policy-making body. Governors serve two-year terms.

Effective July 1, per SCR 10.05(2), Board of Governor districts were reapportioned based on changes in the active Bar membership and other circumstances. Districts 9 and 6 each gained one governor; District 2 lost one governor; and Lincoln County has moved from District 16 to District 11.

To be considered for a seat on the Board of Governors, members must submit to the Bar, by March 1, a petition signed by 10 active members in their district. Receive a petition.

Division officers. The State Bar's Government Lawyers (GLD), Nonresident Lawyers (NRLD), Senior Lawyers (SLD), and Young Lawyer (YLD) divisions are selecting candidates to run in their 2006 elections.

GLD members will choose three division directors to serve two-year terms. Interested GLD members are invited to write to the GLD Nominating Committee in care of the State Bar by Feb. 1.

NRLD members will choose a president-elect for a one-year term, and five directors to serve two-year terms. Please note that only active and emeritus-status NRLD members can run for these positions. Interested NRLD members are asked to send their resumes and letters of interest to the NRLD Nominating Committee Chair in care of the State Bar by Jan. 13.

SLD members will choose a president-elect for a one-year term, a treasurer for a two-year term, and three directors to serve two-year terms. Interested SLD members should send their resumes and letters of interest to the SLD Nominating Committee in care of the State Bar by Jan. 13.

YLD members interested in running for division president-elect are invited to write to the YLD Nominating Committee Chair in care of the State Bar by Feb. 1. YLD directors and other officers will be elected during the annual meeting in May, by nomination from the floor.

Elections. Election ballots will be mailed no later than April 14 and must be returned by April 28. Those elected will take office July 1, 2006.

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