Mark Neumann
Encyclopedia
Mark W. Neumann is a businessman and politician. He represented from 1995 to 1999. In 2010, Neumann lost a bid to become the Republican nominee for Governor of Wisconsin
. Neumann is currently a candidate for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin
to succeed Herb Kohl
who is retiring.
, the son of Stella and Kurt, and one of five children. His father was an electrical engineer for General Motors
and his mother was an executive assistant. Neumann graduated from East Troy High School
in 1972. After High School, Neumann briefly attended General Motors Institute (now Kettering University
)
In 1973, Neumann married Sue Link, his high school sweetheart, whom he met in Sunday school
in the 4th grade. That same year, Neumann enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
, where he graduated with honors in 1975, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. After graduating from Whitewater, Neumann moved to River Falls, Wisconsin
, where he taught mathematics at River Falls High School
while attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls
, earning a Masters of Science in Supervision and Instructional Leadership. Neumann also did additional post-graduate work at the University of Wisconsin.
After college, Neumann relocated to Milton, WI where he began his career teaching Mathematics at Milton High School
and Milton College
, before the campus closed in 1982. In 1986, Neumann started his first company in his basement, building homes in the Milton and Janesville, WI. By 1991, Neumann's company was listed as one of the fastest growing companies in America by the magazine Inc.
.
Neumann decided to run for the House of Representatives
as a Republican
in 1992. He faced Congressman Les Aspin
and lost 58% to 41%, while spending $700,000.
1993 special election
Shortly after defeating Neumann, Aspin was appointed U.S. Secretary of Defense by President Bill Clinton
in 1993. Just months after being defeated by over 17%, Neumann entered the special election to fill the seat vacated by Aspin.
Neumann lost narrowly to his opponent, Peter Barca
by only 675 votes; 49.3% to Barca's 49.9%.
1994
After losing in both 1992 and 1993, Neumann once again entered the race for Wisconsin’s First Congressional District. After losing to Peter Barca by 675 votes in the previous year, Neumann defeated Barca by 1,120 votes, becoming the first Republican to hold that seat since 1971. Neumann's victory was one of 54 Republican pick-up seats during the Republican Revolution
.
1996
Neumann won re-election by 4,260 votes in a close 1996 race against Lydia Spottswood.
on January 3, 1995, when the Republican Party gained control of both houses for the first time since the 1950s. Neumann was assigned to the Appropriations committee
, being the only freshman appointed to the committee that year. While on the committee, Neumann wrote his own version of the budget, which would produce a balanced budget
by 1999. Neumann voted present in the election for Speaker of the House in 1997, instead of voting for Newt Gingrich
.
In September 1995, Neumann failed in his efforts on an amendment requiring congressional approval of troop deployment to Bosnia
. Then, on September 29, he voted to defeat the $243 billion military appropriation, along with other freshman Members, because it didn't contain his own amendment. As punishment for his vote, Bob Livingston
removed him from the committee. This was brief, and Neumann was eventually reassigned to the committee. Neumann has been critical of LGBT rights in the past. In 1996, he commented to the New York Times that "if I was elected God for a day, homosexuality wouldn't be permitted, but nobody's electing me God."
against Russell Feingold. Both candidates had similar views on the budget surplus, although Neumann was for banning partial-birth abortion while Feingold was against a ban. Both candidates limited themselves to $3.8 million in campaign spending ($1 for every citizen of Wisconsin), although outside groups spent more than $2 million on Neumann; Feingold refused to have outside groups spend their own 'soft money' on his behalf. Feingold defeated Neumann by a slim 2% margin in the election. According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Neumann had a 30,000 vote margin outside Milwaukee County, but was overwhelmed by a 68,000 vote margin in Milwaukee County.
| colspan=5 |Democratic
hold
|-
, who did not run.
Despite speculation that Neumann might run against Senator Herb Kohl or Governor Jim Doyle
, he did not choose to seek elective office during the 2006 election cycle. He had considered a run for Governor, but did not enter the race in deference to Scott Walker
, who withdrew in favor of former Congressman Mark Green.
Governor of Wisconsin
The Governor of Wisconsin is the highest executive authority in the government of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The position was first filled by Nelson Dewey on June 7, 1848, the year Wisconsin became a state...
. Neumann is currently a candidate for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin
United States Senate election in Wisconsin, 2012
The 2012 United States Senate election in Wisconsin will take place on November 6, 2012 alongside a U.S. presidential election as well as other elections to the United States Senate and House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic U.S...
to succeed Herb Kohl
Herb Kohl
Herbert H. "Herb" Kohl is the senior U.S. Senator from Wisconsin and a member of the Democratic Party. He is also a philanthropist and the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks National Basketball Association team...
who is retiring.
Early life, education, and early career
Neumann was born in East Troy, WisconsinEast Troy, Wisconsin
East Troy is a village in Walworth County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 3,564 at the 2000 census. The village is located southeast of the Town of East Troy. A small portion extends into the adjacent Town of Troy...
, the son of Stella and Kurt, and one of five children. His father was an electrical engineer for General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
and his mother was an executive assistant. Neumann graduated from East Troy High School
East Troy High School
East Troy High School is a high school located at 3128 Graydon Ave in East Troy, Wisconsin. Enrollment is typically between 600 and 700 students. The team mascot is The Trojan, aptly adopted from the ancient city of Troy.-External links:*...
in 1972. After High School, Neumann briefly attended General Motors Institute (now Kettering University
Kettering University
Kettering University is a university in Flint, Michigan, offering degrees in engineering, math, science, and business. The campus is located along the Flint River on property that used to be the main manufacturing location for General Motors...
)
In 1973, Neumann married Sue Link, his high school sweetheart, whom he met in Sunday school
Sunday school
Sunday school is the generic name for many different types of religious education pursued on Sundays by various denominations.-England:The first Sunday school may have been opened in 1751 in St. Mary's Church, Nottingham. Another early start was made by Hannah Ball, a native of High Wycombe in...
in the 4th grade. That same year, Neumann enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater is part of the University of Wisconsin System, located in Whitewater, Wisconsin. It became Wisconsin's second public college on April 21, 1868 when it opened its doors to 39 students taught by nine faculty members...
, where he graduated with honors in 1975, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. After graduating from Whitewater, Neumann moved to River Falls, Wisconsin
River Falls, Wisconsin
River Falls is a city in Pierce and St. Croix counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 15,000 at the 2010 census, making it the second largest city in the Twin Cities Wisconsin suburbs, which is the eighth largest metropolitan area in the state...
, where he taught mathematics at River Falls High School
River Falls High School
River Falls High School is a public high school located in . There are approximately 250 students in each class. The school is known for its outstanding marching band program, which has won the State Title 18 of the past 27 years. It is also known for its St...
while attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
The University of Wisconsin–River Falls is a liberal arts undergraduate and graduate university and a member of the University of Wisconsin System. UW–River Falls is located in River Falls, Wisconsin on the famed trout fishing Kinnickinnic River. The campus consists of 32 major buildings, ten of...
, earning a Masters of Science in Supervision and Instructional Leadership. Neumann also did additional post-graduate work at the University of Wisconsin.
After college, Neumann relocated to Milton, WI where he began his career teaching Mathematics at Milton High School
Milton High School (Milton, Wisconsin)
Milton High School is a public high school located in the small town of Milton, Wisconsin with a population of approximately 5,588 people. Milton High School has about 80 staff members and 1040 students with graduating classes of 250 students. Jeremy Bilhorn is the Principal at MHS...
and Milton College
Milton College
Milton College was a private college located in Milton, Wisconsin. Founded in 1844 as the Milton Academy, it closed in 1982. Its campus is now part of the Milton Historic District....
, before the campus closed in 1982. In 1986, Neumann started his first company in his basement, building homes in the Milton and Janesville, WI. By 1991, Neumann's company was listed as one of the fastest growing companies in America by the magazine Inc.
Inc. (magazine)
Inc. magazine, founded in 1979 and based in New York City, is a monthly publication focused on growing companies. The magazine publishes an annual list of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., the "Inc...
.
Elections
1992Neumann decided to run for the House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
as a Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
in 1992. He faced Congressman Les Aspin
Les Aspin
Leslie "Les" Aspin, Jr. was a United States Representative from 1971 to 1993, and the United States Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton from January 21, 1993 to February 3, 1994.-Early life:...
and lost 58% to 41%, while spending $700,000.
1993 special election
Shortly after defeating Neumann, Aspin was appointed U.S. Secretary of Defense by President Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
in 1993. Just months after being defeated by over 17%, Neumann entered the special election to fill the seat vacated by Aspin.
Neumann lost narrowly to his opponent, Peter Barca
Peter Barca
Peter Barca is a Democratic politician from the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the current Representative for the 64th District in the Wisconsin State Assembly. He is a lifelong resident of the Kenosha area....
by only 675 votes; 49.3% to Barca's 49.9%.
1994
After losing in both 1992 and 1993, Neumann once again entered the race for Wisconsin’s First Congressional District. After losing to Peter Barca by 675 votes in the previous year, Neumann defeated Barca by 1,120 votes, becoming the first Republican to hold that seat since 1971. Neumann's victory was one of 54 Republican pick-up seats during the Republican Revolution
Republican Revolution
The Republican Revolution or Revolution of '94 is what the media dubbed Republican Party success in the 1994 U.S. midterm elections, which resulted in a net gain of 54 seats in the House of Representatives, and a pickup of eight seats in the Senate...
.
1996
Neumann won re-election by 4,260 votes in a close 1996 race against Lydia Spottswood.
Tenure
Neumann was sworn into the 104th United States Congress104th United States Congress
The One Hundred Fourth United States Congress was a meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, composed of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. It met in Washington, DC from January 3, 1995 to January 3, 1997, during the third and...
on January 3, 1995, when the Republican Party gained control of both houses for the first time since the 1950s. Neumann was assigned to the Appropriations committee
United States House Committee on Appropriations
The Committee on Appropriations is a committee of the United States House of Representatives. It is in charge of setting the specific expenditures of money by the government of the United States...
, being the only freshman appointed to the committee that year. While on the committee, Neumann wrote his own version of the budget, which would produce a balanced budget
Balanced budget
A balanced budget is when there is neither a budget deficit or a budget surplus – when revenues equal expenditure – particularly by a government. More generally, it refers to when there is no deficit, but possibly a surplus...
by 1999. Neumann voted present in the election for Speaker of the House in 1997, instead of voting for Newt Gingrich
Newt Gingrich
Newton Leroy "Newt" Gingrich is a U.S. Republican Party politician who served as the House Minority Whip from 1989 to 1995 and as the 58th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999....
.
Committee assignments
Congressman Neumann served on the following committees and subcommittees:- Committee on AppropriationsUnited States House Committee on AppropriationsThe Committee on Appropriations is a committee of the United States House of Representatives. It is in charge of setting the specific expenditures of money by the government of the United States...
- Veterans Administration
- Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
- Committee on the BudgetUnited States House Committee on the BudgetThe U.S. House Committee on the Budget, commonly known as the House Budget Committee, is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives, the lower house of Congress...
In September 1995, Neumann failed in his efforts on an amendment requiring congressional approval of troop deployment to Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
. Then, on September 29, he voted to defeat the $243 billion military appropriation, along with other freshman Members, because it didn't contain his own amendment. As punishment for his vote, Bob Livingston
Bob Livingston
Robert Linlithgow "Bob" Livingston Jr. is a Washington, D.C.-based lobbyist and a former Republican U.S. Representative from Louisiana...
removed him from the committee. This was brief, and Neumann was eventually reassigned to the committee. Neumann has been critical of LGBT rights in the past. In 1996, he commented to the New York Times that "if I was elected God for a day, homosexuality wouldn't be permitted, but nobody's electing me God."
1998 U.S. Senate election
In September 1997, Neumann announced his candidacy for the United States SenateUnited States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
against Russell Feingold. Both candidates had similar views on the budget surplus, although Neumann was for banning partial-birth abortion while Feingold was against a ban. Both candidates limited themselves to $3.8 million in campaign spending ($1 for every citizen of Wisconsin), although outside groups spent more than $2 million on Neumann; Feingold refused to have outside groups spend their own 'soft money' on his behalf. Feingold defeated Neumann by a slim 2% margin in the election. According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Neumann had a 30,000 vote margin outside Milwaukee County, but was overwhelmed by a 68,000 vote margin in Milwaukee County.
| colspan=5 |Democratic
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
hold
|-
Post-congressional career
Neumann stayed out of the 2004 Senate campaign, instead supporting former Lt. Governor Margaret FarrowMargaret Farrow
Margaret Farrow is a former state senator and former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. She was born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and attended Rosary College in River Forest, Illinois for one year before receiving her B.A...
, who did not run.
Despite speculation that Neumann might run against Senator Herb Kohl or Governor Jim Doyle
Jim Doyle
James Edward "Jim" Doyle is a Wisconsin politician and member of the Democratic Party. He was the 44th Governor of Wisconsin, serving from January 6, 2003 to January 3, 2011. He defeated incumbent Governor Scott McCallum by a margin of 45 percent to 41 percent; the Libertarian Party candidate Ed...
, he did not choose to seek elective office during the 2006 election cycle. He had considered a run for Governor, but did not enter the race in deference to Scott Walker
Scott Walker (politician)
Scott Kevin Walker is an American Republican politician who began serving as the 45th Governor of Wisconsin on January 3, 2011, after defeating Democratic candidate Tom Barrett, 52 percent to 47 percent in the November 2010 general election...
, who withdrew in favor of former Congressman Mark Green.
2010 gubernatorial election
Neumann told the Wisconsin State Journal on April 23, 2009 that he intended to run for governor in 2010, and on July 1, 2009, Neumann officially declared his candidacy. In 2010 Neumann stated his opposition to same-sex marriage, and claimed that he wanted to focus on jobs and economic development. Neumann was defeated 59% to 39% in the September 14, 2010 primary by opponent Scott Walker. Walker was ultimately elected Governor in the general election.2012 U.S. Senate election
Neumann has announced his candidacy for the Senate seat of retiring senator Herb Kohl. On October 6, 2011, it was announced that he had raised $300,000 during the first month of the campaign.External links
- Mark Neumann for U.S. Senate official campaign site
- Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org (2004 Senate race)