Russ Decker

Russ Decker
Russ Decker
	Decker in 2008.
Majority Leader of the Wisconsin Senate
	In office; October 24, 2007 – December 15, 2010
Preceded by	Judy Robson
Succeeded by	Dave Hansen (Acting)
	In office; October 21, 2002 – January 6, 2003 Serving with Fred Risser
Preceded by	Charles Chvala
Succeeded by	Mary Panzer
Member of the Wisconsin Senate; from the 29th district
	In office; January 7, 1991 – January 3, 2011
Preceded by	Walter Chilsen
Succeeded by	Pam Galloway
Personal details
Born	May 25, 1953 (age 71); Athens, Wisconsin
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	married
Children	2
Residence	Schofield, Wisconsin
Profession	building contractor
Website	Business website

Russell S. Decker (born May 25, 1953) is an American home construction contractor and former Democratic politician. He served 20 years in the Wisconsin State Senate (1991–2011) and was majority leader from October 2007 through December 2010.^[1]

Biography

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.

DUI

In April 2005, Decker was arrested and charged with OWI.^[2] 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.^[3]

On November 2, 2010, Republican Pam Galloway defeated Decker in his reelection bid.^[4] In the lame duck session after losing re-election, Decker cast a deciding vote not to ratify new state employee contracts, and as a result was stripped of his leadership position by a vote of his caucus.

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

References

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

External links

Profile at Vote Smart
Follow the Money - Russ Decker
- 2010 2008 2006 2004 2002 2000 1998 campaign contributions

Wisconsin Senate
Preceded by Walter Chilsen	Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 29th district January 7, 1991 – January 3, 2011	Succeeded by Pam Galloway
Preceded by Charles Chvala	Majority Leader of the Wisconsin Senate October 21, 2002 – January 6, 2003 Served alongside: Fred Risser	Succeeded by Mary Panzer
Preceded by Judy Robson	Majority Leader of the Wisconsin Senate October 24, 2007 – December 15, 2010	Succeeded by Scott L. Fitzgerald