ראזענוואסער רעזיגנירט!!!!!!!!!!!!

Montgomery - Maximum Stew Rosenwasser is maxed out on being a judge.

The Montgomery Republican said today that he's resigning his post as an Orange County Court judge, a little more than halfway through his first 10-year term. Rosenwasser was elected in 1999.

Rosenwasser's been a colorful presence on the bench, presiding over high-profile criminal cases like last year's trial of Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano.

He gets high marks for fairness and knowledge of the law from both prosecutors and defense lawyers. But he's also been visibly disgusted by the political intrigue that swirled up to his neck during his three unsuccessful campaigns for state Supreme Court, including one that was cut short in 2003 by infighting among his fellow Republicans.

Last year, Rosenwasser thought he had nailed down a seat on that court, but his hopes were dashed by a recount that dragged out until mid-December.

"It can probably be summed up this way: I'm a goal-oriented guy," Rosenwasser said today. "When I set goals for myself that have not been obtainable, based on the results of the last three years, I set new goals for myself."

Rosenwasser plans to return to private law practice, this time joining forces with Chester lawyer Benjamin Ostrer.

His resignation takes effect on May 1. Gov. George Pataki has the power to appoint a temporary successor, who will have to stand for election in November.