Invisible No More

http://www.milwaukeemag.com/article/1212013-InvisibleNoMore

For six years, Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm has operated largely under the radar, becoming a national example, some say, of a new kind of prosecutor, one who focuses on reducing crime and improving the community. But have a series of high-profile cases tarnished the image?

Aug. 24 was a picture-perfect Milwaukee Friday. The sun was out, temps were in the mid-80s, and the rain stayed away. But for Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, a shadow would soon be cast.

Across the concrete plaza that stretches from the County Safety Building housing Chisholm’s office to the Milwaukee County Courthouse, a Circuit Court jury of 12 men and women were hearing the political corruption case against former Milwaukee County Board member Johnny Thomas. After deliberating for less than 90 minutes, they returned their verdict.

Not guilty.

An hour later, Chisholm was remarkably calm, even matter-of-fact.

“I just got my butt handed to me,” he said, a wry half-smile playing about his lips.

The sangfroid of the moment was pure John Chisholm. No grousing about the jurors. No railing at the defense lawyer. Indeed, just after getting the verdict, he had telephoned Thomas’ attorney, Craig Mastantuono, with congratulations. And no second-guessing his decision to bring the shocking bribery charges against Thomas in the first place.

It fits the low-key, stoic style that Chisholm has brought to the job since he was first elected Milwaukee County DA in 2006. Although re-elected in November without opposition, Chisholm has been the least-visible of Milwaukee’s top elected officials. Now, he’s turned into the still, quiet eye in the center of a series of gathering storms. He’ll need that cool, calm, even wooden demeanor like never before....