As Wisconsin Celebrates the 100^th Anniversary of La Follette’s Progressive Magazine, Legislation Commemorates Great Wisconsin Leader

Washington, D.C. – Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl are reintroducing two measures today to honor the life of Robert M. La Follette Sr., the former Wisconsin Representative, Senator, Governor, and leader of the national progressive movement. The first bill would authorize the president to award La Follette the Congressional Gold Medal. The second bill would direct the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins to commemorate Fighting Bob’s life and legacy. Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) plans on introducing both pieces of legislation in the House of Representatives next week.

“Bob La Follette was an unwavering champion of government reform whose leadership of the progressive movement remains a source of pride and inspiration to this day,” Feingold said. “No one has ever fought harder for the people of Wisconsin, or fought harder against corruption and cronyism, than ‘Fighting Bob’ La Follette. The legislation we introduce today gives La Follette’s distinguished legacy the distinction it deserves.”

“Bob La Follette left a lasting impression on our country with his work on behalf of women’s suffrage, racial equality and diminishing corruption in government,” Kohl said. “We should follow his example of leadership and continue to pursue many of the values he embodied. This legislation gives him the national recognition he deserves and allows us to honor his hard work for the people of Wisconsin.”

“’Fighting Bob’ La Follette was a patriot who put the common good above special interests, fairness above favoritism,” said Congresswoman Baldwin. “It was his lifelong mission to ‘make real the promise of democracy.’   I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring the life and legacy of this great Wisconsin statesman,” Baldwin said.

The legislation introduced today comes as Wisconsin prepares to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of The Progressive magazine, which was founded by La Follette. Feingold and Baldwin are scheduled to speak at a conference in Madison, Wisconsin this weekend to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of The Progressive and the progressive movement.

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