Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced Monday he will not seek re-election after his term expires in December 2014.
Van Hollen was first elected as the state’s attorney general in 2006, and won his re-election in 2010, according to his website. He said in a statement he ran in both elections as an advocate for “fighting crime and restoring integrity” in Wisconsin.
During his tenure, Van Hollen worked to correct the backlog of DNA analysis at state crime laboratories, as well as developed procedures and support systems for local law enforcement officials. He added he is “proud” of his accomplishments and vows to continue benefitting Wisconsin citizens for the remainder of his term.
“I believe no person should be Attorney General for life, or for too long,” Van Hollen said in the statement. “Our democracy requires a balance of experience and fresh views. For my family, for me and this office, it’s time to give Wisconsin voters new choices.”
While critics may claim Van Hollen pushed a Republican agenda, many state legislators praised his accomplishments.
Gov. Scott Walker released a statement on Van Hollen’s announcement saying it has been “a pleasure working with” Van Hollen on public safety issues throughout the state.
“He is a real professional and a great friend,” Walker said in the statement. “I look forward to working with him throughout the remainder of his term.”
Patrick Fiedler, president of the State Bar of Wisconsin, said he thanks Van Hollen for his “service to the people of Wisconsin and to the legal profession.”
“Attorney General Van Hollen played a critical role in ensuring that Wisconsin continues to have a strong criminal justice system,” Fiedler said in a statement. “His efforts are helping the state retain experienced assistant district attorneys, state public defenders and assistant attorneys general.”
State Public Defender Kelli Thompson also commented on Van Hollen’s announcement saying she is grateful for his service to Wisconsin and wishes him success in future ventures.
“While we are adversaries in the courtroom and, at times, offer different views on a given issue, I can always count on Attorney General Van Hollen to listen to our perspective,” Thompson said in a statement.
