Susan Crawford launched her campaign for Dane County Circuit Court judge in Branch 1 on Monday, and endorsements are rolling in. Over 200 people have endorsed Crawford, including judges, elected officials, activists, and attorneys from across Dane County.

Among these endorsements are former Governor and Attorney General of Wisconsin Jim Doyle. He says, “Susan is an exceptional lawyer who rises to every challenge with intellect, perseverance, and common sense. She will be an outstanding judge for the people of Dane County.” Crawford worked as Assistant Attorney General and Chief Legal Counsel in the Governor’s Office under Doyle.

Throughout her 20-year career, Crawford has represented clients in Dane County and courts around the state. Her work as a partner at the Pines Bach law firm has had a broad reach, including defending voting rights for the League of Women Voters, protecting women’s health services on behalf of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, and co-authoring an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court opposing Wisconsin’s gerrymandered legislative districts.

It is this extensive experience that Crawford says inspired her to run. “All of those experiences accumulated have made a shift to the judiciary a natural next step for me… I intend to bring all of that experience to bear on a role as a judge.” She says that many issues of statewide significance originate in the Dane County District Court, making it a good place for a person with her background.

She also points to her experience in the criminal justice system as an important factor for her success in the position, since the court is on a criminal rotation.

Her experience in criminal justice gives her “a lot of perspective” on the issue of prison populations and overcrowding. “We have used the prisons as a last resort for people who … because of mental health issues and substance abuse issues have nowhere else to go.” She goes on to say, “It is very important for the judiciary to look at alternatives in the community to treat those underlying problems.”

Crawford spoke with Producer Alejandro Alonso Galva this afternoon.