Yesterday in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske penned an op-ed urging Wisconsin voters to support Joe Biden as a leader who will uphold the constitutional rule of law.

The op-ed comes after Geske recently endorsed Joe Biden, citing his integrity and ability to unite the country. Justice Geske was previously nominated to the bench by two Republican governors, including Tommy Thompson.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Opinion: I was a nonpartisan for 40 years in Wisconsin. Here’s why I’m supporting Joe Biden in 2020.

As a former Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge and Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, I have stayed out of politics. Other than running my own campaigns, I stayed away from partisan issues. Judges need to be nonpartisan. We look at issues through a different lens — because the law isn’t red or blue.

Throughout my life, I’ve regularly voted and carried out my civic duty — and I’ve voted for both Republicans and Democrats. In fact, I was appointed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court by a Republican governor, Tommy Thompson. And before that, I was nominated to the circuit court by another Republican, Gov. Lee Sherman Dreyfus.

Like so many across Wisconsin, I vote for the person — not the party. Sometimes, that decision is hard —- but for me, the choice in this election is crystal clear.

I have not publicly supported a partisan candidate for more than 40 years — but the stakes of this election are too high for me to stay silent. I can’t stand by and silently watch this president shred the Constitution and undermine the rule of law. Donald Trump has no respect for our constitutional values and has mocked our democratic institutions. He is rude and an obnoxious bully who does not respect anyone who disagrees with him. That’s why I’ve announced my support for Joe Biden — because I know he’ll be a president for all Americans, regardless of party.

Biden embodies exactly what we look for in a president and commander in chief. First and foremost, unlike our current president, he’s honest and he’s a man of integrity. He has a profound sense of service. He is respectful to people and cares about those who do not have a voice. I know he will promote racial justice and work to reduce violence in our cities. As a military father and a professional who has devoted his life to public service, he knows that public service is about fidelity to our country and improving the lives of people.

We’re also seeing right before our eyes how much is at stake in this election. I’ve watched in horror as President Trump lied and downplayed the coronavirus to the American people, and now, he still does not have a plan to protect families and beat the virus as it surges across Wisconsin. Even as Wisconsinites are being infected and hospitalized at record rates, Donald Trump is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down the Affordable Care Act and protections for pre-existing conditions. It’s truly unconscionable. Many Americans have and will suffer from the virus without adequate treatment.

Finally, I am speaking up for my 16-year-old granddaughter and the youth of our country. I want a president our children and grandchildren can look up to. A president who is an ethical and respectful role model and leader — not a bully like President Trump. I want a president who respects the rule of law. A leader with empathy who cares about the people he serves.

Benjamin Franklin, one of our founding fathers, referred to the United States as “a republic, if you can keep it.” The future of our republic — and our democratic institutions — is at stake in this election. It’s up to all of us to turn out and vote accordingly.

Janine Geske previously served on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and was nominated by Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson.

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