Robert C. Cannon (June 10, 1917 – October 22, 2008) was an American lawyer and judge. He served as presiding judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals in the Milwaukee-based District I court. Earlier in his career, he was significantly involved in Major League Baseball, worked to bring the Milwaukee Brewers franchise to Milwaukee, and came within one vote of being elected Commissioner of Baseball.
Cannon was elected to the Milwaukee Civil Court in 1946. He joined the Wisconsin Court of Appeals in 1978, immediately becoming a Presiding Judge and remaining one until 1979. In 1981, he retired from full-time judicial duty but remained a reserve judge.[citation needed]
In August 1968, Fr. James Groppi led a demonstration outside of Judge Cannon’s Wauwatosa home over his membership in the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, which restricted its membership to whites only. Robed Klansmen turned out in counter protest. Other residents held signs saying such things as “Keep Tosa White.” Cannon told the press, “I will remain in the Eagles as long as I live.”[5]
Electoral history
Wisconsin Court of Appeals (1978)
Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District I Election, 1978[6]