Marlin D. Schneider (born November 16, 1942) is a retired American educator and Democratic politician. He served 40 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly (1971–2011), representing Wisconsin Rapids and neighboring parts of central Wisconsin.[1] He is also known by his nickname: "Snarlin' Marlin."[2]
While studying at La Crosse, Schneider was a leader of the La Crosse Young Democrats. Through the activities of the teachers' union, Schneider became more involved with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. In 1970, he was elected president of the local branch of the Wisconsin Education Association, and, a few months later, announced his candidacy for Wisconsin State Assembly.[4] Schneider challenged incumbent Republican Harvey F. Gee.[5] The protests against the Vietnam War on the University of Wisconsin campus were a major issue in the election. Schneider rebuked Gee for referring to the student protesters as "idiots," saying, "It may be popular to slander college students, but this kind of rhetoric doesn't help to heal the wounds of our society."[6] He also went on the offensive against state Republicans, saying that, despite controlling all branches of government and the University Board of Regents, they had failed to deal with the campus issues in a way that restored peace, saying, "It seems ironic that while they talk about law and order, they have achieved so little of it."[7] Schneider narrowly defeated Gee in the November general election, taking 50.7% of the vote.[8]
He went on to win reelection 19 times. He was defeated in the Republican wave election of 2010 by Scott Krug, ending a 40-year run in the Wisconsin State Assembly.[9]