Who Are the Wisconsin 14?1

by Damon Martin

When the phrase “American hero” is mentioned, names like Washington, Jefferson and Franklin come to mind. In 20 years, will Americans look back and remember names like Carpenter, Coggs and Cullen?

Those are just three of the 14 Wisconsin State Senators who left their families, homes and communities to stand up for the rights of the working men and women they represent – a course of action that has cost them personally and financially, and may even penalize them legally when all is said and done.

The Wisconsin 14, as they have been dubbed, are a group of Democrats who left their state in mid-February to avoid voting on an anti-collective bargaining bill put forward by Governor Scott Walker that would see unions in the state virtually crippled.

Weeks have past since the Wisconsin 14 first sought sanctuary in neighboring Illinois in a desperate attempt to stop what would otherwise be inevitable (given that the pro-union Democrats are in the minority). Walker needs just one more body in the room in order to force a vote, which could happen if just one of the 14 breaks rank. So far, they have stood strong, as have Wisconsin’s citizens who have held a non-stop peaceful protest-cum-vigil at the Statehouse.

Adding to the pressure, at the start of this week, arrest warrants were issued for the Wisconsin 14, who, as a result, need your support now more than ever.

But who are these true American heroes? Meet the Wisconsin 14:
(pictured from Left to Right, Top to Bottom):

Tim Carpenter, first elected to the State Senate in 2002, is the Senator from the 3rd district in Wisconsin. He is a strong supporter of all gay and lesbian rights, which he has consistently fought for during his time as an elected official.

Spencer Coggs, a former steward of his own local union, has been in the State Senate since 2003. He has also stood up for issues like emergency contraception for sexual assault victims, as well as sex education in schools.

Timothy Cullen was originally elected and served in the Wisconsin Senate from 1975 until 1989. He returned to office in 2010. Cullen has always considered himself a moderate, and even went to work for Republican Governor Tommy Thompson at one point. He was compelled to return to office in 2010, and now stands strong alongside the 13 other Democratic Senators hoping to slow down the destructive Republican machine in his home state.

Jon Erpenbach has represented the Senate since 1998 and is a champion of affordable health care. In reaction to sky rocketing health insurance costs and static pay, he proposed a measure called Healthy Wisconsin, which would provide WI residents with the similar coverage to those employed by the State Legislature.

Dave Hansen, first elected in 2000, has worked as a teacher and truck driver, and served as a steward for his local Teamster’s Union. His passion for the workers of his state, and for union issues is obvious.

Jim Holperin was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2008. He is pro-union, and works to support Trees for Tomorrow, a non-profit which aims to help educate children about the environment and conservation.

Robert Jauch has served in the Senate since 1987, and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He has used his time in office to fight for legislation supporting education throughout the state.

Chris Larson, elected in 2010, barely had time to sit in his seat before being forced to flee the state. The environment was one of his key campaign platforms. While in exile he has carved out a niche as a spokesman for the Wisconsin 14.

Julie Lassa took her place in the Wisconsin State Senate in 2003. She co-sponsoring a bill that would give a tax credit to businesses who sponsor college tuition. Lassa is currently 7-months pregnant, which makes her situation particularly tough.

Mark Miller took office in 2005. During his tenure as a Senator his primary goals have been health care and environmental reform.

Senator Fred Risser, first elected in 1962, is the longest serving State official in U.S. history. Over the course of his career, Risser has battled for abortion rights and tobacco regulation. Oh and at 79 years of age, he still rides his bike 25 miles a day.

Lena Taylor took office in 2005. She worked as a public defender before opening her own law office in Wisconsin. She campaigned for the recognition of Black History month, and supported Traffic Stop Data Collection in the state to provide accurate statistics on racial profiling.

Kathleen Vinehout was first elected in 2006. She worked as a farmer for much of her life, and also pursued a PhD. She has worked closely with farming unions during her tenure.

Robert Wirch was elected to the Senate in 1997. He once worked in a factory, and has also served in the Army Reserves. He has championed many environmental issues, and worked to create jobs in the state.

So there you have it folks, the Wisconsin 14. Put a face to the names of the Senators who are standing up for the rights of workers in their state. They are of course fighting an uphill battle against their own government lead by Governor Scott Walker – who also has God on his side.

Yes, Walker, much like former President George W. Bush, receives his orders directly from God. He stated in an interview that God told him personally what jobs to take and even what woman he should marry. Apparently, Jesus isn’t a big fan of unions (which seems kinda surprising if you know your New Testament).

The Wisconsin 14 remain holded up in Illinois. Meanwhile their supporters are on the offensive, seeking to recall the Republican Senators in Wisconsin who refuse to negotiate.

Main image by Cathy Roberts from the Solidarity Rally in DTLA.