Wes Dalton already has experience following the same path as Keith Sutherland. He hopes to do it once more. Dalton declared this week he will be a Republican candidate for the 12th Circuit presiding judge position in the 2012 election cycle. His announcement came at the same time as Sutherland, the current presiding judge, revealed he would be retiring once his current term expires in December 2012 and would not be seeking a re-election bid. Sutherland has held the position for the past 11 years. "Before making the decision, I spoke with Keith and he encouraged me to run," Dalton said. "It's the next logistical step to take. I wouldn't have done it without his support." Dalton, 52, has served as Warren County associate circuit judge for 11 years. He was initially appointed to the position by Gov. Roger Wilson in 2000 to fill an opening created when Sutherland, then the associate judge, won his bid to become presiding judge. Dalton served the two remaining years of Sutherland's unexpired term and then followed with three successful re-election bids, running unopposed each time, including the last time in 2010. "I want to pick up where Judge Sutherland left off," Dalton said. "I think Keith had done a great job. He's one of the most respected judges in the state of Missouri. I want to do as well as he did." Dalton is the only candidate to announce his intention to run for presiding judge so far. The position is also open to candidates residing in the other two counties - Montgomery and Audrain - in the 12th circuit. The filing period for next year's primary election doesn't begin until Feb. 28 and runs through March 27. Sutherland feels Dalton is ready oversee to the circuit. He also noted that since the caseload in Warren County continues to grow and is much larger compared to the other two counties in the circuit, it makes sense to have a local presiding judge. "He has the experience to do it," Sutherland said. "It's important to at least take a shot at having the judge from Warren County." Dalton said he is prepared to shoulder more responsibilities that will come with the new position should he be elected. He said he has been fortunate to have been allowed to hear and rule on cases in Montgomery and Audrain counties in the past. "The timing was great," Dalton said. "It's perfect timing for me to move into that position." Dalton also commented that numerous lawyers have been supportive of his decision to run for presiding judge. "I think they know they will get a fair shake," he said. Dalton said he wants to continue streamlining the paperwork and making the judicial system more efficient for lawyers and the public. He also is interested in supporting and expanding DWI/Drug Court, an intensive program that allows convicted individuals to complete certain requirements to avoid jail time. Dalton grew up in St. Charles and is a graduate of St. Charles High School. His father was circuit judge in St. Charles County for around 32 years. He earned his undergraduate degree in political science and sociology from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1982 and graduated from the University of Missouri Law School in 1988. Dalton then started his own practice in Warrenton and operated that for about 12 years until he accepted the associate judge appointment. If Dalton's bid for presiding judge is successful, a successor for his current position would then be filled by the governor. The appointee would serve the remaining two years of his current four-year term.