As the Wisconsin legislature’s session winds down, so does the legislative career of a veteran lawmaker. DePere Republican, state Senator Alan Lasee, has served 36 years in the Wisconsin legislature, and has represented his northeastern Wisconsin district in the Senate since winning a special election in 1977.
Lasee is not seeking reelection this fall, and bid farewell to his colleagues on Tuesday. “Every one of you I can look in the eye and call a friend, and that’s really important,” said Lasee. Risser also paid tribute to Madison Democrat Fred Risser, who serves as Senate President, a post Lasee held earlier when Republicans were in control of the Senate.
“I’m a high school dropout,” said Lasee, who explained that his father died when he was 15. “To become a member of the Wisconsin state Senate and be the presiding officer is pretty incredible. But everything I learned, I learned from Senator Risser. You don’t know that, but I paid attention.” Only Risser and Wisconsin Rapids Assembly Democrat Marlin Schneider have served in the legislature longer than Lasee. “I want to thank you all for listening,” said Lasee. “Thank you, and God bless.”
Senator Alan Lasee (2:00 MP3) AUDIO: Senator Alan Lasee (2:00 MP3)
