Ask Mike
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- Why do you want to be a judge?
The focus of Michael's legal career has been on helping people resolve conflicts. He started out as a litigator, but quickly switched to mediation. In mediation, mediators try to help parties resolve their own disputes without needing to use the Courts. However, mediation cannot resolve every conflict.
About two years ago, Michael made the decision to move on with his conflict resolution career and became a court commissioner. Many attorneys and parties who have practiced in front of Michael have commented about the thoughtful and respectful approach that he brings to the bench.
Now, the people of Winnebago County have the opportunity to bring those same skills and same attitude to the role of a judge, by electing Michael Rust. In this new role, Michael will still be helping people to resolve conflicts, just in a different way.
- What is Branch 1?
In Wisconsin, each County is granted a certain number of judges by the State. Each judge seat is called a "Branch". In Winnebago County, there are six (6) branches.
Unlike some other counties, Winnebago County judges are generalist courts. There is not a "criminal court" or "juvenile court" or "business court". The judges hear every type of case they are assigned - often by intake timing or random number generator.
Having a candidate for judge that has handled a wide variety of case types and has not been focused on a single area of law, presents a great opportunity for the people of Winnebago County and will make Michael Rust an effective Judge on day one.
- What is your judicial philosophy?
Trial courts do not make the law or policy. It is the role of the trial court to act as a neutral to apply the law to the facts of the individual case.
Sometimes called judicial minimalism or judicial restraint, this judicial philosophy is most respectful to the American system of government. It is the role of the legislature, not the judiciary, to make and change the laws.
Trial court judges should not be placing their "thumb on the scale" to make change in our community. Judges must be neutral and apply the law as it was written by the legislature and approved by the Governor or President.
- Why do judges wear black robes?
Tradition and symbolism. The history of wearing robes can be traced back for over 700 years in the English legal system.
Some historians believe that the robes were standardized into black in 1694 when the judges of England and its American colonies donned black to mourn the death of Queen Mary II.
Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor believes the tradition has come to stand for a much broader principle. “It shows that all of us judges are engaged in upholding the Constitution and the rule of law," O'Connor said. Current U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett stated "I think the black robe shows that justice is blind. We all address the law the same, and I think it shows that once we put it on, we are standing united symbolically, speaking in the name of the law. Not speaking for ourselves as individuals."
The belief that all judges are part of the same system and that it is the law that is speaking neutrally through the judge is a key feature in the American system of government and justice.
- How can I get involved?
First, thank you! As a former non-profit director, Michael understands and appreciates the role of volunteers in making a difference.
Please use the Contact Us page to send a message with your areas of interest and ability and we will be in contact!
- How can I donate to the campaign?
First, thank you!
Campaigns are expensive and every contribution helps. Whether just a few dollars or the maximum allowable contribution under the law (i.e. $2,000), you have our very sincere thanks.
At the top of the home page and at the bottom of every other page on this website is a link to our DonorBox account where you can safely and securely make an online donation.
Want to save us some fees? You can mail your donation to:
Michael Rust for Judge
Nate Olson, Treasurer
146 Algoma Blvd, Suite A
Oshkosh, WI 54901And again, thank you.
- Has Michael received any awards?
Michael was recognized with the 2022 Lifetime Legal Innovation Award by the State Bar of Wisconsin.
This was only the third Lifetime Legal Innovation Award ever given by the State Bar of Wisconsin. More about the Legal Innovation Awards can be found here: Read about 2022 Lifetime Legal Innovation Award
Michael was also recognized with the Beacon Award (a.k.a. Distinguished Alumni) by the Alumni Council of Carthage College in 2019. More about the Beacon Award can be found here: Read about Beacon Award
Michael received the 2016 You Make A Difference Award by the Winnebago Collaborations Work Group.
He has also been selected to give three TEDx talks at locations around the United States.
- Who is endorsing Michael Rust for Judge?
Michael is collecting a list of endorsements for his candidacy. He will be making the list public soon. Should you wish to be added to the list of endorsements, please contact us and let us know you want to be added to the list of endorsements.
- Are you a Democrat or Republican?
Judges are neutral and should act that way. This is not to say that I don't have political beliefs, but I am not running for a political position and my personal beliefs will not impact my neutrality.
I have extensive training and experience on maintaining neutrality and not allowing personal biases to impact my decision making. Judges are supposed to determine the facts of the case and apply the law to the facts. It is not the role of a judge to place their personal biases in the decisions they are making.