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Governor La Follette and the Wisconsin Idea
Republican governor Robert M. ("Fighting Bob") La Follette fought corruption and expanded democracy during his three terms in office, 1900–1906.
He also represented Wisconsin in the US House of Representatives (1885–1891) and Senate (1906–1925) as a leader of the Progressive Movement. He ran unsuccessfully for US President in 1924.
La Follette was the strongest advocate of the "Wisconsin Idea" -- the concept that government officials and university experts should work together to improve life for all citizens.
In 1901, he set up the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB), the first agency in the nation created to provide lawmakers with nonpartisan, expert help when drafting bills. Today nearly every state has one. |