Joe Leibham

Joe Leibham
Member of the Wisconsin Senate
from the 9th district
In office
January 3, 2002  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
Religion Lutheran

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 2002-2014. He previously served in the Wisconsin Assembly, representing the 26th district from 1998–2002. In December of 2014 he resigned from the Senate, to become chief lobbyist for the Milwaukee-based law firm of Foley & Lardner.[1]

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:

Joint Committees:

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

[3]

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 of 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

External links