Joel Kleefisch
Joel M. Kleefisch (born June 8, 1971) is an American politician and a former television reporter. He served fourteen years in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing parts of Waukesha, Jefferson, and eastern Dane counties.[2] His wife, Rebecca Kleefisch, is the former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin.
Joel Kleefisch | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 38th district | |
| In office January 3, 2005 – January 7, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Steven Foti[1] |
| Succeeded by | Barbara Dittrich |
| Second Gentleman of Wisconsin | |
| In role January 3, 2011 – January 7, 2019 | |
| Governor | Scott Walker |
| Preceded by | Cal Lawton |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 8, 1971 Waukesha, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Rebecca Reed |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Oconomowoc, Wisconsin |
| Alma mater | Pepperdine University |
| Profession | Politician |
Biography
Born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Kleefisch graduated from Waukesha North High School in 1989. He attended Pepperdine University and received a B.A. in 1993.[3]
Kleefisch worked as a news researcher for KCBS-TV in Los Angeles during the summer of 1992. Upon graduation from Pepperdine he worked as a reporter for WREX-TV in Rockford, Illinois from 1993 to 1994.[4] Kleefisch then was hired by WISN-TV as an assignment desk person and part-time reporter in 1994 before becoming a full-time general assignment reporter, where he worked until entering politics. As a reporter at WISN-TV, he appeared on CNN to discuss the trial of Mark Chmura.[5] He won an award for "Best investigative report or series" from the Milwaukee Press Club in 1999 for a piece about date rape drugs.[6] Rebecca was also a reporter and anchor for WISN and the two would marry in 1999 shortly after she moved to that station from Rockford, Illinois.[7] The couple now have two children.
Kleefisch was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2004, and was re-elected in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016.[4] He represented Oconomowoc and surrounding areas of western Waukesha County, northern Jefferson County, and eastern Dane County. In 2009 he co-sponsored legislation to increase the penalties in Wisconsin for driving under the influence.[8]
Kleefisch did not seek re-election in 2018 and left office at the end of the 2018 session and was succeeded by Barbara Dittrich.[9]
References
- Archived November 19, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- 'The State of Wisconsin Blue Book 2009-2010. Biographical sketch of Joel Kleefisch, p. 45
- "Joel Kleefisch, Currently Elected State Representative District 38, Wisconsin". Vote-la.org. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
- "Assembly Member Joel Kleefisch - Biography - Project Vote Smart". Votesmart.org. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
- "CNN Transcript - Burden of Proof: Mark Chmura On Trial: Former Pro Football Player Accused of Sexually Assaulting 17-Year-Old Babysitter - February 2, 2001". Transcripts.cnn.com. 2 February 2001. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
- "Contest & Honors presented by The Milwaukee Press Club". Milwaukeepressclub.org. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
- "Wisconsin Legislature: Kleefisch, Rep. Joel M.(38th A.Dist.; Rep.)". Nxt.legis.state.wi.us. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
- Beck, Molly (April 17, 2018). "Joel Kleefisch latest Republican lawmaker to not seek re-election". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved June 13, 2019.