Russ Decker

Russell Decker (born May 25, 1953) was a Democratic member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing the 29th District from 1991 to 2011.[1] He served as Majority Leader from 2007 until being removed by his colleagues during a floor session on December 15, 2010 after casting the deciding vote against ratification of state employee contracts.

Russ Decker
Decker in 2008.
Member of the Wisconsin Senate
from the 29th district
In office
1991–2011
Succeeded byPam Galloway (Republican)
Personal details
Born (1953-05-25) May 25, 1953
Athens, Wisconsin
Political partyDemocratic
ResidenceSchofield, Wisconsin
Professionbricklayer

Born in Athens, Wisconsin, Decker graduated from Athens High School, afterward attending Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, Wisconsin as an apprentice bricklayer. He now lives in Schofield, Wisconsin.

Decker was first elected to the Senate in 1990. The day after passage of the 2007-2008 state budget, the Senate Democratic Caucus elected Decker to replace Judy Robson as Majority Leader.

On November 2, 2010, Republican Pam Galloway defeated Decker in his reelection bid.[2]

Committee assignments
  • Committee on Senate Organization (Chair)
  • Joint Committee on Legislative Organization
  • Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions
  • Joint Committee on Employment Relations
  • Joint Legislative Council

Controversy

In April 2005, Decker was arrested and charged with OWI.[3] He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of driving with a prohibited blood alcohol content and had to give up his driver's license for six months.[4]

References
  1. The State of Wisconsin Blue Book 2009-2010, biographical sketch of Russ Decker, pg. 76
  2. "GOP challenger defeats Majority Leader Decker," JS Online, November 3, 2010. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  3. "Decker holds event at tavern," Wausau Daily Herald, April 5, 2005. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  4. "Sen. Decker says OWI arrest doesn't influence his position," Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, January 26, 2009. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
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