Spring Break
State Senator receives high party honor
Democrat elected president pro tempore, will stand in with absence of Senate president
Luke Anderson
Issue date: 11/17/08 Section: News
State Senator and UW-Eau Claire graduate Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls) was elected president pro tempore last Tuesday by the members of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
Kreitlow is in his second term as a state senator; he was first elected in 2006. The president pro tempore position is both a formal officer of the Senate as well as a member of the leadership within the Senate Democratic Caucus.
Kreitlow decided to run for the position at the urging of several of his fellow Senate Democrats. He replaces Tim Carpenter of Milwaukee, who did not seek his old job.
"It is very satisfying and an honor to be chosen by my colleagues for understanding the importance of orderly floor debate," Kreitlow said. "A well-organized legislative session is very important."
Kreitlow said his main duty as pro tempore will be to stand in for the president of the Senate, Fred Risser of the 26th district in Madison. He said this may happen if Risser needs to leave the chair for some reason, ranging from not being able to physically attend to personal reasons.
"The pro tempore has to be ready to stand in," Kreitlow said. "The position requires a thorough understanding of legislative procedures and rules."
Kreitlow highlighted that Risser, 81, has been involved in legislation since 1956. He is currently the longest serving state legislator in the United States.
"He is really the Energizer bunny," Kreitlow said. "He is not going anywhere soon but if he needs a break, we need a president pro tempore to step in."
Kreitlow added his new position includes making sure debate goes smoothly and everyone in the Senate is treated fairly, whether they are in the majority or minority.
"With 33 senators, not all are expected to be masters of the specific rules," he said. "Those (positions) do need the confidence of all members and I am flattered to have that."
Kreitlow has lived in Eau Claire on and off for about 35 years. He first came to the city in the early 70s when his father moved here. He attended UW-Eau Claire from 1982-1986 and has been in Chippewa Falls since 1995.
Kreitlow is in his second term as a state senator; he was first elected in 2006. The president pro tempore position is both a formal officer of the Senate as well as a member of the leadership within the Senate Democratic Caucus.
Kreitlow decided to run for the position at the urging of several of his fellow Senate Democrats. He replaces Tim Carpenter of Milwaukee, who did not seek his old job.
"It is very satisfying and an honor to be chosen by my colleagues for understanding the importance of orderly floor debate," Kreitlow said. "A well-organized legislative session is very important."
Kreitlow said his main duty as pro tempore will be to stand in for the president of the Senate, Fred Risser of the 26th district in Madison. He said this may happen if Risser needs to leave the chair for some reason, ranging from not being able to physically attend to personal reasons.
"The pro tempore has to be ready to stand in," Kreitlow said. "The position requires a thorough understanding of legislative procedures and rules."
Kreitlow highlighted that Risser, 81, has been involved in legislation since 1956. He is currently the longest serving state legislator in the United States.
"He is really the Energizer bunny," Kreitlow said. "He is not going anywhere soon but if he needs a break, we need a president pro tempore to step in."
Kreitlow added his new position includes making sure debate goes smoothly and everyone in the Senate is treated fairly, whether they are in the majority or minority.
"With 33 senators, not all are expected to be masters of the specific rules," he said. "Those (positions) do need the confidence of all members and I am flattered to have that."
Kreitlow has lived in Eau Claire on and off for about 35 years. He first came to the city in the early 70s when his father moved here. He attended UW-Eau Claire from 1982-1986 and has been in Chippewa Falls since 1995.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Darrin Witucki
posted 11/16/08 @ 11:16 PM CST
"Kreitlow is in his second term as a state senator; he was first elected in 2006."
I thought Wisconsin State Senators served four year terms? If so, Senator Kreitlow is still in his first term. (Continued…)
Jacob Boer
posted 11/16/08 @ 11:46 PM CST
It's his second session... but still his first term. I think they meant session...
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