State Rep. Pedro Colón, D-Milwaukee, was appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle Wednesday to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court to replace Judge Patricia McMahon.
""I look forward to continuing in my role as a public servant and to make sure that all the citizens of the County of Milwaukee get a fair hearing while I preside over Branch 18,"" Colón said in a statement by the governor.
Colón, a UW-Madison Law School alumnus who has had a private practice since 1994, is not running for re-election after six terms in the State Legislature. His term as judge will begin September 20 and continue through July 31, 2011, according to the statement.
""Pedro Colón is a dedicated public servant that will serve the people of Milwaukee County well on the bench,"" Doyle said.
However, state Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, is less than confident in Colón's capacity to serve as judge.
""Based on Colón's votes in the Assembly, I fear that his service on the bench could greatly harm public safety,"" Nass said in a statement.
Colón serves as vice chair of the Joint Finance Committee and as chairperson of the Wisconsin Migrant Labor Council.
Nass said Colón is too sympathetic to illegal immigrants, and has ""a proven lack of decency and compassion.""
Doyle, however, said Colón ""will work really hard to uphold fairness and justice in Milwaukee.""
