Robert Jauch

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Robert Jauch
RobertJauch.jpg
Wisconsin State Senate District 25
Incumbent
In office
1987 - Present
Term ends
January 3, 2015
Years in position 26
PartyDemocratic
Compensation
Base salary$49,943/year
Per diem$88/day
Elections and appointments
Last electionNovember 2, 2010
First elected1986
Next electionNovember 4, 2014
Term limitsN/A
Prior offices
Assembly Member, Wisconsin State Assembly
1983 - 1987
Personal
Birthday11/22/1945
Place of birthWheaton, IL
Websites
Office website
CandidateVerification

Contents

Robert "Bob" Jauch (b. November 22, 1945) is a Democratic member of the Wisconsin State Senate. He has represented District 25 since 1986. From 1993 to 1995, he was the Senate Minority Leader. He was previously a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1982 to 1986. He has also worked as a field representative for United States Congressman David Obey.

Jauch's professional experience includes the United States Army, Vietnam.

Jauch attended the Universities of Wisconsin, Eau Claire and Superior. [1]

Committee assignments

2013-2014

At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Jauch served on the following committees:

Wisconsin Committee Assignments, 2013
• Financial Institutions and Rural Issues
• Workforce Development, Forestry, Mining, and Revenue

2011-2012

At the beginning of the 2011 legislative session, Jauch served on the following committees:

2009-2010

At the beginning of the 2009 legislative session, Jauch served on the following committees:

Issues

Sen. Jauch does not list his positions on the issues on his website, but some information is available:[2]

  • His main focus is on education and increased school funding
  • He supports the ban on smoking in bars and restaurants[3]

Legislation

Recent legislation sponsored or co-sponsored by Sen. Jauch includes:[4]

  • A bill regarding the disposal of electronic devices[5]
  • An amendment permitting the legislature to tax principal homesteads differently than other property [6]
  • A bill to regulate mercury-added products[7]

Unemployment bill, 2011

Republicans Rich Zipperer, Mary Lazich and Glenn Grothman were the only three state senators who voted no on the Wisconsin State Senate's version of an unemployment bill in July 2011.

The bill to eliminate a newly instituted one-week waiting period on the receipt of unemployment benefits, passed in the Senate with a vote of 30-3. State officials said the one-week waiting period was a crucial part of the effort to root out fraud, but the bill worked to eliminate it.

Senator Jauch called the one-week waiting period “a 55 million dollar highway robbery of workers."[8]

Budget bill, 2011

The legislative process for creating and passing the budget the state budget included protestors and a lot of national attention. Late on June 16, 2011, the state Senate passed Gov. Scott Walker’s $66 billion budget on a party-line 19-14 vote after nine hours of debate.

The 2011 legislative session was sharply divided between Republican and Democratic lawmakers on nearly all of Walker’s proposed legislation. The earlier protests included two protesters who chained themselves to railings in the Senate chamber’s viewing gallery.

Once Gov. Walker signs the budget into law, it will take effect July 1.

One protester began shouting from the Senate chamber’s viewing gallery as Senate President Michael Ellis called for a vote. “I want my democracy back!” she screamed.

Republicans accused Democrats of being short-sighted and resisting measures that could bring jobs to Wisconsin, ultimately benefiting the state.

“You want to talk values? Let’s talk values,” said state Sen. Alberta Darling. “Frugality...having a job...that’s the mission we have.”

Democrats accused Republicans of ignoring the needs of children by slashing funding for education while introducing tax breaks for businesses, and of targeting low-income residents while refusing to raise taxes on the wealthy.

“It’s an abandonment of our responsibility as officials to make sure that each citizen has the same opportunities,” said state Sen. Robert Jauch.[9]

Legislative walkout

Jauch and the 13 other Democratic senators participated in a legislative walkout on February 17, 2011 in opposition to Assembly Bill 11 - a Republican-sponsored bill aimed at limiting collective bargaining rights, compensation and fringe benefits of public employees.[10] The Democratic departure left the Senate one vote shy of a quorum. Reports confirmed the senators fled to a hotel in Rockford, Illinois.[11] State police were dispatched by Governor Scott Walker (R) to retrieve the senators, but were unable to cross state lines. [12] The 14 state senators who left the state are being described as the "Badger 14" or "Fab 14."[13][14]

On February 22, speaking from the basement of an Illinois hotel, Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller provided the minority response to Gov. Scott Walker, saying, "The governor has the tools at his disposal to put this issue to an end. As soon as he is willing to take a compromise, we will go back to work in an instant." Miller stated that the legislators payed for the trip themselves, and that no taxpayer money was spent.[15]

Walker called on the Democratic senators to return to the state by March 1 in order to vote to restructure the state's debt. If they did not, he stated he may have to start cutting state jobs, saying:
It’s not just a number, it’s not just a budget, it’s ultimately a real person with a real family, so I’m going to push that back as far as I can. We’ve got to have real numbers to balance the budget to avoid layoffs. My hope is those 14 state senators … realize that in the end, it’s much better off to avoid those cuts, it’s much better off to avoid the most dire consequences that will come if we don’t pass this bill.[16]
The Democratic senators said they would not return until the governor was willing to compromise on the budget-repair bill.

Democrats threatened with arrest

Republicans passed a unanimous resolution on March 3 finding the missing legislators in contempt and threatening them with arrest. It gave them until 4 p.m. to return or the sergeant-at-arms was ordered to take "any and all necessary steps, with or without force, and with or without the assistance of law enforcement, by warrant or other legal process, as he may deem necessary in order to bring that senator to the Senate chambers."[17]

The constitutionality of that resolution was unclear, however, as the Wisconsin Constitution only allows for the arrest of legislators while in session if they are suspected of committing a felony, treason, or breach of the peace. Jim Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, said the resolution was an "unreasonable abuse of police power."[18]

Sen. Jon Erpenbach provided the Democratic response, stating, "All 14 of us remain in Illinois, very strong in our convictions. Issuing arrest warrants at 4 p.m. isn't going to solve the problem. This is a debate about protection of the middle class in Wisconsin; that is what the Republicans should be focusing on."[17]

The move by Republicans came the day after they issued fines of $100 a day for not showing up at the Capitol, along with taking away parking spaces.[19] The week before Republicans also passed a rule suspending direct-deposit of paychecks. Sen. Erpenbach found a way around this by granting power of attorney to two of his aides, giving them power to, among other things, pick up his paycheck. In the end Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald mailed the check to Erpenbaach.[20]

Meeting/possible compromises

On March 7, Democratic leader Sen. Mark Miller sent a letter to the governor and senate majority leader asking for a meeting near the Wisconsin-Illinois border to restart talks on the collective bargaining issue.[21] Gov. Walker responded at a press conference, calling the letter "ridiculous," and saying that several meetings between the two sides have taken place, but that Miller has stood in the way of a compromise.[22]

Sen. Chris Larson said, "Dems will return when collective bargaining is off the table. That could be soon based on the growing public opposition to the bill and the recall efforts against Republicans."[23]

On March 8, the Governor's office released an email exchange dated March 6 between Eric Schutt, Walker's deputy chief of staff, and Democratic Senators Cullen and Jauch. The exchange discusses possible compromises on the bill, including allowing unions to bargain for wages beyond inflation rates, permitting collective-bargaining on certain economic issues, allowing public workers to collectively bargain workplace safety issues, and limiting collective bargaining agreements to 2 years or less.[24]

Republicans pass bill

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2011 Wisconsin Senate Recalls
Senators Facing Recall
Robert Cowles • Alberta Darling • Sheila Harsdorf • Dave Hansen • Jim Holperin • Randy Hopper • Dan Kapanke • Luther Olsen • Robert Wirch
Other Recall Information
Recalls by Year • Recall Law in Wisconsin • Recall laws in other states • Recalls in Wisconsin • 2011 Scott Walker Budget Repair Bill • Protests over Budget Repair Bill • Wisconsin Government Accountability Board • Recall timeline • Election Results

In a surprise maneuver, Senate Republicans on March 9 passed controversial reforms to the collective bargaining rights of public sector workers. In a process that took just over two hours, Republicans passed the bill by a vote of 18-1, with Sen. Dale Schultz (R) casting the only no vote.[25]

Republicans skirted the need for a quorum by removing the sections of the bill that had to do with appropriating funds. With these removed, the bill only needed to be passed by a simple majority -- rather than requiring a quorum of 20 senators. At 4 p.m. on March 9 a conference committee on the budget-repair bill was convened. Two hours later the committee met and advanced the new measure without debate. Immediately following that, the Senate met and passed the new version, also without debate. It was then sent to the Assembly.[26]

The only Democrat present at the meeting, Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (D), attempted to stop the proceedings, stating that the committee was in violation of the state's open meeting law. According to the law, most public bodies are required to give 24 hours notice before a meeting. The two hours notice that the committee provided led Barca to declare, "Mr. Chairman, this is a violation of law! This is not just a rule — this is the law."[25] Ignoring Barca, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R) ordered the vote taken as shouts of protest rang from the galleries.

The bill was given a stay by Dane County Court Judge Maryann Sumi. On May 26, 2011, Sumi struck down the legislative actions leading to the bill eliminating public employee collective bargaining on the grounds that it violated the state's Open Meetings Law. The state Departments of Justice and Department of Administration appealed the decision to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. [27][28] On June 14 the Wisconsin Supreme Court overruled the district court decision, stating it "exceeded its jurisdiction, invaded the legislature’s constitutional powers...and erred in enjoining the publication and further implementation of the act."[29]

Recall campaigns

In the wake of events surrounding the bill, both Democratic and Republican senators were targeted by active recall campaigns. Recall sponsors filed signatures on petitions targeting 6 Republican state senators and 3 Democratic state senators. Challenges were filed in all 9 of those campaigns, and the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board approved the six campaigns against Republicans at meetings on May 23 and May 31, and approved the three campaigns against Democrats on June 8. Democrats held onto the 30th district seat on July 19. Republicans lost two seats in the August 9 recalls, but held onto four. Two incumbent Democrats successfully retained their seats on August 16.

Elections


Senator Jauch talks about preserving the Great Lakes

2010

See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2010

Jauch was re-elected to the Wisconsin State Senate District 25 seat in the November 2, 2010 general election. He was unopposed in the September 14, 2010 primary. He defeated Republican Dane Deutsch in the general election on November 2, 2010. [30] [31][32]

Wisconsin State Senate, District 25 (2010) General Election
Candidates Votes Percent
Green check mark.jpg Robert Jauch (D) 31,437 51.27%
Dane Deutsch (R) 29,854 48.69%
Wisconsin Senate, District 25 Democratic Primary (2010)
Candidates Votes Percent
Green check mark.jpg Bob Jauch (D) 8,929 99.79 %

2006

On November 7, 2006, Robert Jauch won re-election to the Wisconsin State Senate, District 25. [33]

Robert Jauch raised $68,806 for his campaign, while Shirley Reidmann raised $32,168.[34]

Wisconsin State Senate, District 25 (2006)
Candidates Votes
Green check mark.jpg Robert Jauch (D) 38,721
Shirley Reidmann (R) 23,454

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor information for Jauch is available dating back to 1998. Based on available campaign finance records, Jauch raised a total of $223,881 during that time period. This information was last updated on June 4, 2013.[35]

Robert Jauch's Campaign Contribution History
Year Office Result Contributions
2012 Wisconsin State Senate, District 25 Not up for election $25,823
2010 Wisconsin State Senate, District 25 Won $61,056
2008 Wisconsin State Senate, District 25 Not up for election $12,610
2006 Wisconsin State Senate, District 25 Won $68,806
2004 Wisconsin State Senate, District 25 Not up for election $6,891
2002 Wisconsin State Senate, District 25 Won $13,796
2000 Wisconsin State Senate, District 25 Not up for election $4,900
1998 Wisconsin State Senate, District 25 Won $29,999
Grand Total Raised $223,881

2012

Jauch was not up for election to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2012. During that election cycle, Jauch raised a total of $25,823.

2010

Jauch won re-election to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2010. During that election cycle, Jauch raised a total of $61,056.

2008

Jauch was not up for election to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2008. During that election cycle, Jauch raised a total of $12,610.

2006

Jauch won re-election to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2006. During that election cycle, Jauch raised a total of $68,806.

2004

Jauch won re-election to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2004. During that election cycle, Jauch raised a total of $6,891.

2002

Jauch won re-election to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2002. During that election cycle, Jauch raised a total of $13,796.

2000

Jauch was not up for election to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2000. During that election cycle, Jauch raised a total of $4,900.

1998

Jauch won re-election to the Wisconsin State Senate in 1998. During that election cycle, Jauch raised a total of $29,999.

Recall efforts

See also: Bob Jauch recall, Wisconsin State Senate (2012)

Following Jauch's vote against a proposed mining bill, the conservative group Citizens for Responsible Government filed recall paperwork with the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board on March 19, 2012. The paperwork allowed them to begin collecting signatures for a potential recall election.[36] However, they suspended the recall a week before the May 18 deadline.[37]

Personal

Jauch is married and has two children.[1]

External links

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References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Project Vote Smart - Senator Jauch
  2. ↑ Biography
  3. ↑ Smoking ban press release
  4. ↑ Legislation
  5. ↑ Bill 107
  6. ↑ Assembly resolution 8
  7. ↑ Bill 200
  8. ↑ "Amended Unemployment Bill Could Hamper Fraud Detection Efforts," MacIver News Service, July 20, 2011
  9. ↑ "Senate OKs budget above din of protesters, "Wisconsin Reporter", June 16th, 2011
  10. ↑ Wisconsin.gov, ASSEMBLY BILL 11, accessed 17 Feb. 2011
  11. ↑ Green Bay Press Gazette, Wisconsin Democrats flee to Clock Tower Hotel in Rockford, Ill., to block anti-union bill, 17 Feb. 2011
  12. ↑ Bloomberg Businessweek, Senator: Missing Wis. lawmakers left the state, 17 Feb. 2011
  13. ↑ The Badger 14
  14. ↑ Fab 14 Facebook page
  15. ↑ WISN, "State Sen. Minority Leader Responds to Walker," February 22, 2010
  16. ↑ Christian Science Monitor, "Wisconsin governor to missing senators: Come back or I'll lay off 1,500," February 28, 2011
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Wall Street Journal, "Pressure Mounts on Absent Democrats in Wisconsin, Indiana," March 3, 2011
  18. ↑ Wisconsin State Journal, "Senate orders arrest of missing Democrats," March 3, 2011
  19. ↑ My Fox Chicago, "Wisconsin GOP Slaps Missing Dems With $100 Daily Fines," March 2, 2011
  20. ↑ Talking Points Memo, "AWOL Wisconsin Dem Beats The System, Gets His Paycheck Mailed To Him," March 3, 2011
  21. ↑ New York Times, "Wisconsin Democrats Urge New Talks on Labor Bill," March 7, 2011
  22. ↑ CNN, "Wisconsin gov: Democratic senator's border meeting idea 'ridiculous'," March 7, 2011
  23. ↑ Talking Points Memo, "Wisconsin Dems Deny WSJ Report Of Imminent Return," March 6, 2011
  24. ↑ CNN, "E-mails: Wisconsin governor offers concessions on budget bill," March 8, 2011
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Miami-Herald, "Wisconsin Republicans bypass Democrats on union bill," March 9, 2011
  26. ↑ Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, "Senate advances collective bargaining changes; Democrats to return after Assembly vote," March 9, 2011
  27. ↑ Wisconsin State Journal, "Judge strikes down Walker's collective bargaining law, case moves to state Supreme Court", May 26, 2011
  28. ↑ Wisconsin Reporter, "Judge: Collective bargaining bill violated open meetings law", May 26, 2011
  29. ↑ Shorewood Patch, "UPDATE: Unions Sue to Block Supreme Court's Reinstatement of Controversial Budget Repair Bill," June 14, 2011
  30. ↑ Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, "Candidates Registered by Office, 2010," July 13, 2010
  31. ↑ Official GAB primary results
  32. ↑ Wisconsin Government Accountability Board Official General Election 2010 Results
  33. ↑ Wisconsin State Election Results, 2006
  34. ↑ Follow the Money 2006
  35. ↑ followthemoney.org, "Jauch, Robert," accessed June 4, 2013
  36. ↑ Green Bay Press Gazette, "Citizens For Responsible Government Network plans to recall 2 state senators over mine vote," March 19, 2012
  37. ↑ Ashland Current, "Jauch Calls Recall Group Disreputable," May 11, 2012
Political offices
Preceded by
' 		Wisconsin State Senate District 25
1986–present 		Succeeded by
NA
v • d • e
Republican majority Current members of the Wisconsin State Senate
Senate President: Michael G. Ellis (R) • Senate Majority Leader: Scott Fitzgerald (R) • Senate Minority Leader: Chris Larson (D)
Democratic (15) • Republican (18) • Wisconsin Senate • Wisconsin State Assembly
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