Russ Decker

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]

Russ Decker
Decker in 2008.
Majority Leader of the Wisconsin Senate
In office
October 24, 2007 – December 15, 2010
Preceded byJudy Robson
Succeeded byDave Hansen (Acting)
In office
October 21, 2002 – January 6, 2003
Serving with Fred Risser
Preceded byCharles Chvala
Succeeded byMary Panzer
Member of the Wisconsin Senate
from the 29th district
In office
January 7, 1991 – January 3, 2011
Preceded byWalter Chilsen
Succeeded byPam Galloway
Personal details
Born (1953-05-25) May 25, 1953
Athens, Wisconsin
Political partyDemocratic
Spousemarried
Children2
ResidenceSchofield, Wisconsin
Professionbuilding contractor
WebsiteBusiness website

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