LA CROSSE, WI — Two former federal appellate judges will make a special visit to La Crosse on Thursday, September 17, bringing an important message about the rule of law, the judicial system and the integrity of the November 2026 election.

Judge Deanell Tacha and Judge Beverly Martin, both active members of Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition, will make several appearances during their one-day visit. La Crosse will be their only Wisconsin stop as part of a national effort to educate the public about the role of the courts and the importance of protecting the rule of law during the election process.

The Article III Coalition includes dozens of retired federal judges who are working to increase public awareness about the judicial system’s role in ensuring election integrity and to serve as an independent voice for the integrity of the rule of law.

Their visit comes at a particularly important time, with Wisconsin considered a key battleground state in the upcoming November election.

The judges’ La Crosse schedule includes:

• Noon: Featured speakers at the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce business luncheon (a members only event, but open to reporters)

• 2 p.m.: Presentation to the junior class at Central High School

• 7 p.m.: Public forum at Viterbo University, sponsored by the tri-campus collaborative of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Viterbo University and Western Technical College (program announcement is attached) The evening public forum will provide members of the community an opportunity to hear directly from two experienced federal judges about the role of the courts, the rule of law and the challenges facing our democratic institutions during an election season.

“At a time when confidence in our democratic institutions is being challenged from many directions, it is especially important for citizens to understand the role of the courts and the importance of the rule of law,” said Lee Rasch, Executive Director of LeaderEthics. “Having two highly respected former federal appellate judges come to Wisconsin—and to La Crosse—for this conversation is a significant opportunity for our community.”

The visit is being hosted by LeaderEthics, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting ethical leadership and civil discourse in public life.

Rasch emphasized that the visit is intended to provide citizens with information and perspective rather than partisan advocacy.

“This is about strengthening public understanding and confidence in the institutions that support our democracy,” Rasch said. “The rule of law belongs to all of us, regardless of political party.”

Judge Tacha and Judge Martin will be available for media interviews during their La Crosse visit.

Media Contact Lee Rasch
Executive Director, LeaderEthics
email: Lee@leaderethics.us
Text: 608-792-3137