Joe Leibham
Joseph K. "Joe" Leibham (born June 6, 1969) is an American business executive who served as a Republican member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing the 9th District from 2002 to 2014. He previously served in the Wisconsin Assembly, representing the 26th district from 1998–2002. In December 2014 he resigned from the Senate, to become chief lobbyist for the Milwaukee-based law firm of Foley & Lardner.[1]
Joe Leibham | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 9th district | |
| In office January 3, 2003 – December 1, 2014 | |
| Preceded by | James Baumgart |
| Succeeded by | Devin LeMahieu (elect) |
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 26th district | |
| In office 1998–2002 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 6, 1969 Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Heather (née Hanson); 3 children |
| Residence | Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Profession | Businessman |
Early life, education and career
Leibham was born and raised in Sheboygan, the fourth oldest of 13 children. He attended Pigeon River Public Elementary School, Trinity Lutheran School and Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and Ealing College (London) before graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1991 with a B.A. in Political Science and Public Administration.
He worked in the food service industry as an Account Executive for Sargento Foods and the Manager of Membership Development for the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Sheboygan City Council from 1993 to 2000, serving as its president from 1995–96.
Wisconsin legislature
Leibham served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1998 to 2002, representing Sheboygan, Sheboygan Falls, Kohler and surrounding areas.
His 9th Senate District comprises the northern half of Sheboygan and southern half of Manitowoc counties, as well as portions of Calumet and Fond du Lac counties. He served as the Senate President Pro Tempore. He was the Assistant Minority Leader in 2007 and the Majority Caucus Vice Chairperson in 2003.
Leibham has called for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, calling it a "top priority."[2]
Committee assignments
2009-2010 Committee assignments
Senate Standing Committees:
- Committee on Economic Development
- Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources
- Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, Biotechnology, and Financial Institutions
Joint Committees:
- Joint Committee on Information Policy and Technology
Voting history
| Date | Bill title | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| 02/02/2011 | Wetland Regulations | Yes |
| 04/15/2010 | Legalizing Sale of Unpasteurized Milk | Yes |
| 04/13/2010 | Payday Lending Regulations | No |
| 01/28/2010 | Expanding Access to Public Defenders | No |
| 09/22/2009 | Requiring Kindergarten for First Grade Enrollment | No |
| 06/09/2009 | Electronics Sale and Disposal Regulations | No |
| 06/09/2009 | Decreasing the Minimum Hunting Age | Yes |
| 05/13/2009 | Indoor Smoking Ban | No |
| 03/06/2008 | Great Lakes Water Resources Compact | Yes |
| 02/28/2008 | Emergency Contraception for Sexual Assault Victims | No |
| 02/28/2008 | Gun Possession During Emergencies | Yes |
| 02/26/2008 | Insurance Coverage for Autism Treatment | No |
| 02/19/2008 | [Public] Financing of Judicial Campaigns | No |
| 01/15/2008 | Minimum Wage Increase | No |
| 12/11/2007 | Compensation for Discharged Police Officers | Yes |
| 04/25/2006 | Tax Deduction for Health Savings Account | Yes |
| 03/07/2006 | Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Caps | Yes |
| 03/03/2006 | School Voucher Program Expansion | Yes |
| 01/26/2006 | Concealed Weapons | Yes |
Run for Congress
In 2014, rather than seek re-election, Leibham ran in the Republican primary election for the United States House of Representatives; he lost to Glenn Grothman. In December 2014 he resigned from the Senate, saying he was prohibited by state law from discussing job offers in the private sector while he was a sitting legislator. Two days later, it was announced that he would take over as chief lobbyist for the Milwaukee-based law firm of Foley & Lardner.[4]
Personal life
Leibham is married to Heather (née Hanson); they have two sons and a daughter.[5]
References
- Marley, Patrick. "Former senator Leibham to head lobbying arm of Foley & Lardner" Milwaukee Journal Sentinel December 4, 2014
- Locicero, Michael (2014-07-23). "Brooks, Opitz tout records in Assembly race". Ozaukee Press. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
- http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=26308
- Marley, Patrick. "Former senator Leibham to head lobbying arm of Foley & Lardner" Milwaukee Journal Sentinel December 4, 2014
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-10-28. Retrieved 2009-12-24.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
External links
- Senator Joe Leibham at the Wisconsin State Legislature
- Joe Leibham official campaign site
- Profile at Vote Smart
- 9th Senate District, Senator Leibham in the Wisconsin Blue Book (2005–2006)