Larson Elected Leader of Senate Democrats
State Sen. Chris Larson is now the minority leader of the Wisconsin state Senate.
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State Sen. Chris Larson was elected Senate minority leader Tuesday, as legislators convened for the first time since the November elections.
Larson, whose district includes Oak Creek, succeeds Mark Miller of Monona.
"I am humbled by the confidence my fellow senators have in me by electing me their leader," Larson said in a statement. "Wisconsin voters spoke loud and clear on November 6. They want Democratic and Republican lawmakers to move the state forward with programs and policies that reflect our shared values. For the sake of Wisconsin’s future, I encourage members of the Legislature to work together as Wisconsinites by casting off our partisan labels and setting aside any politically divisive agendas."
Larson said he looks forward to tackling the state's challenges — among them, creating jobs, supporting public schools and making sure taxpayer dollars are wisely invested.
He also expressed his desire for the state to implement "comprehensive, functional" health care exchanges in compliance with the federal Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare.
"With the support and confidence of my Democratic colleagues, I look forward to tackling these difficult but important issues with the governor and Republican legislators," he said. "However, such efforts will only succeed if as fellow badgers we dig deep and work together to create a brighter future for our family, friends, and neighbors."
According to a Wisconsin State Journal reporter, Republicans were happy to hear the news: new Assembly Speaker, Republican Robin Vos, said after announcing Larson's election, "Sometimes God gives you a gift."
Larson is an outspoken Democrat whose views oftentimes are at odds with conserative-leaning Oak Creek. He especially drew fire last February when he and other Senate Democrats left the state during deliberations over Gov. Scott Walker's budget-repair bill.
Larson was later a vocal supporter of the effort to recall Walker.
The 32-year-old was first elected to the Senate in 2010 after defeating incumbent Democrat Jeff Plale in the primary.
Andy
7:13 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012
We did speak loudly Mr. Larson.. That is why your party has no control in this state anymore...You do not deserve the job.
Al Douglas
9:46 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Senator Larson as a leader please try and been fiscally responsible. Our communities can't continue to support unfunded mandates. We can't afford to be bullied into union benefit levels that we clearly can't afford. I'm sure you wouldn't hand out Halloween candy when your family is starving........
Mike in OC
3:40 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
I love his comment..... " I encourage members of the Legislature to work together as Wisconsinites by casting off our partisan labels and setting aside any politically divisive agendas." Larson NEVER tries to work together with Republicans.... and Larson NEVER sets aside his own politically divisive agenda. They couldn't have picked a worse choice for minority leader.
Dan Vitek
8:54 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Bring back Jeff Phale at least he stood for the people and not the party.
Mike in OC
5:03 pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
I miss Plale too...
mom of 3
9:59 am on Thursday, November 15, 2012
I miss Plale too.
Mark B
1:01 pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Listen to this fool during an interview on a Madison radio station.
"SEN LARSON: Look Sly, I think it’s important to uh- when people are talking about smaller government, I think people have to remember what the word government actually means. What kind of government do we have? We have a democracy. It’s an election by the community, by people within the neighborhoods who decide what they want to do as a collective on where they want to go with this state. So when you talk about reducing government, you’re talking about reducing democracy when you’re doing that. You’re reducing the ability of people to hold their electeds accountable and actually get a safety net when people are feeling down.
SLY: Well, Amen to that. Senator congratulations."
So reducing government equals reducing democracy? Using that logic, an ever expanding government at all levels would make for a more free and democratic society? What kind of a fool thinks that? Apparently the kind that is representing Oak Creek and the head of the democrat party in the state senate.
Progressive fool....
TT
3:43 pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Don't tow his car away when he parks illegally...he will jump in the car and throw a tantrum...
Mike in OC
5:01 pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
I'm sure Larson is positioning himself for a run for Gov in 2014... this gives him a larger soap box to preach to the Madison folks and he wouldn't have to give up his Sen seat.