2007 Senate Joint Resolution 20
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: declaring June 14 Fighting Bob La Follette Day.
Whereas, Robert Marion La Follette, Sr., commonly known as "Fighting Bob" La Follette, was born on June 14, 1855, in Primrose, Wisconsin; and
Whereas, "Fighting Bob" La Follette served three terms in the U.S. house of representatives, four terms in the U.S. senate, and three terms as Wisconsin's governor; and
Whereas, "Fighting Bob" La Follette believed that government could bring about social and political progress for the greater good of all citizens; and
Whereas, "Fighting Bob" La Follette strived to rid government of corruption on all levels and played a critical role in the investigation surrounding the Teapot Dome scandal; and
Whereas, "Fighting Bob" La Follette's legacy includes populist policies still followed today such as public disclosure of campaign contributions, worker's compensation, direct primary elections, and the establishment of the U.S. Department of Labor and the Federal Trade Commission; and
Whereas, "Fighting Bob" La Follette ran for president of the United States on the Progressive ticket in 1924, winning more than 17 percent of the popular vote; and
Whereas, "Fighting Bob" La Follette believed in the "Wisconsin Idea," the notion that government should collaborate with the University of Wisconsin to address serious social and economic problems and applied the "Wisconsin Idea" to bring about major reforms in banking and railroad regulation, the environment, civil service, and taxation; and
Whereas, "Fighting Bob" La Follette was a strong supporter of civil rights and women's suffrage, earning respect from distinguished Americans such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman Upton; and
Whereas, "Fighting Bob" La Follette was selected as one of "Five Outstanding Senators" by the Special Committee on the U.S. Senate Reception Room in 1957; and
Whereas, Wisconsin's public schools already recognize "Fighting Bob" for his lasting impact on Wisconsin by recognizing June 14 as "Fighting Bob" La Follette day as recognized in section 118.02 (7r) of the statutes; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That June 14 and subsequent yearly anniversaries shall be considered ""Fighting Bob" La Follette Day" in Wisconsin.
