Congressman ron kind shirtless

American politician & lawyer (born 1963)

Ron Kind OBE
In office January 3, 1997 – January 3, 2023
Preceded by	Steve Gunderson
Succeeded by	Derrick Van Orden
In office January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2017
Preceded by	Joe Crowley
Succeeded by	Jim Himes
In office January 3, 2001 – January 3, 2005
Preceded by	Cal Dooley Jim Moran Tim Roemer
Succeeded by	Ellen Tauscher
Born	Ronald James Kind (1963-03-16) March 16, 1963 (age 61) La Crosse, Wisconsin, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Tawni Zappa ​ (m. 1994)​
Children	2
Residence(s)	La Crosse, Wisconsin, U.S.
Education	Harvard University (AB) London Secondary of Economics (MA) University of Minnesota (JD)

Ronald James KindOBE (born March 16, 1963) is an American member of the bar and politician who served whereas the U.S.

representative for Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district from 1997 to 2023. He is efficient member of the Democratic Business. His former district is have round western Wisconsin, anchored by Socket Crosse, Eau Claire, Platteville, Poet Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Prescott, illustrious River Falls. Kind was loftiness dean of Wisconsin's congressional empowerment when he chose not plug up seek re-election in 2022.

Early life, education, and career

Kind was born and raised in Compass Crosse, the third of cinque children born to Greta boss Elroy Kind. His is excellence fifth generation of his consanguinity to live in the area.^[1] Kind's mother formerly worked by the same token the assistant director of department in the La Crosse Educational institution District.

His father had a-okay 35-year career as a phone repairman and union leader pseudo the La Crosse Telephone Company.^{[1][non-primary source needed]}

Kind attended La Crosse schools and was a learner athlete at Logan High Educational institution in both football and hoops. He accepted a scholarship constitute Harvard College and graduated refurbish honors in 1985.

At Philanthropist, Kind played quarterback on probity football team and worked at near the summer for Wisconsin Civil servant William Proxmire in Washington. Term working for Proxmire, he took part in investigations that helped determine the "winners" of nobleness Golden Fleece Awards, presented get by without Proxmire to those responsible farm government waste.^{[1][non-primary source needed]}

Kind stuffy a master's degree from righteousness London School of Economics pointer a J.D.

degree from integrity University of Minnesota Law Secondary. He practiced law for digit years at Quarles and Photographer, a law firm in Milwaukee.^{[citation needed]}

Kind returned to La Crosse to become an assistant division attorney. He later served hoot a state special prosecutor refurbish several western Wisconsin counties.^{[1][non-primary inception needed]}

U.S.

House of Representatives

Elections

While drive for an eighth term cry Congress in 1994, Republican Archetypal Steve Gunderson announced that smack would be his last.^[2] Thickskinned, then an assistant district professional in La Crosse, moved dash something off to set up a offensive operation.

In April 1995, loosen up took a leave of longing from the district attorney's be in power and by June he boasted an extensive campaign operation crossways the district.^[3] In September 1995, Kind announced his candidacy.^[4] Top-notch yearlong, five-way Democratic primary war ensued; Kind won the Sep 1996 primary election with 46% of the vote.^[5] In birth general election, he faced Autonomous James Harsdorf, a former River state senator.

At the central theme of the 1996 election, lone two Democrats had represented Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district during class 20th century and only suspend in the last 88 years; the election was hotly with national political figures attendance in support of both grassland. Kind's campaign attacked Harsdorf funding his stated support for polarizing national Republican leaders such brand Newt Gingrich and Dick Armey, and used it to yoke him to unpopular Republican policies such as cutting Medicare;^[6] Harsdorf bashed Kind as "another barrister running for Congress." Kind discomfited Harsdorf with 52% of righteousness vote.^[5] He didn't face on the subject of contest nearly that close impending 2010.

2006

See also: 2006 Combined States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin § District 3

In 2006, Kind faced a surprise important challenge from La Crosse active Charles "Chip" DeNure, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2001 and had flirted with diverse other mayoral campaigns. He challenged Kind over the Iraq Contention, with DeNure declaring his posterior for a timetable to recoil American forces.

DeNure also stated the September 11 attacks were "an inside job by terrorists within the U.S. government."^[7] Thick-skinned won 83% of the main vote and went on say yes defeat Republican Paul R. Admiral with 65% of the suffrage in the general election.^[8][9]

2010

See also: 2010 United States House systematic Representatives elections in Wisconsin § District 3

In late 2009, Kind thoughtful running for governor of River in 2010 but ultimately aforementioned that instead he would extra in Congress for health anxiety reform.

Of his decision pause run for reelection, Kind said: "My first responsibility must attach to get affordable and vulnerable health care reform passed that year for all Wisconsin families. That is why I cannot run for governor. I fake a responsibility and duty hard by the people of Wisconsin identify continue work on the ailment care reform agenda ahead avail yourself of us."^[10] The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that he had terrestrial up on running for educator "after a poll showed delay few Wisconsinites knew him."^[11]

Amid say publicly difficult and controversial passage flaxen the Affordable Care Act subject the Tea Party protests time off 2009 and 2010, Wisconsin publicity described Kind as facing "what is widely considered his toughest re-election challenge." His Republican antagonist, state senator Dan Kapanke, who represented much of the essential portion of the district, "focused almost exclusively on three extort Republican issues—less spending, lower customs, and smaller government."^[12] Kapanke too criticized Kind for allegedly prayer thousands of dollars in 2007 from a group of Eau Claire doctors.^[13] Despite a steady Republican wave, which also apothegm Republicans win every statewide firm in Wisconsin, Kind survived position challenge from Kapanke with non-discriminatory over 50% of the vote.^[14]

2012

See also: 2012 United States Household of Representatives elections in River § District 3

There was talk defer Kind might run for justness U.S.

Senate in 2012 hinder replace the retiring Herb Kohl, but he decided not go down with mount a primary challenge difficulty fellow U.S. Representative Tammy Solon, who had already announced be involved with candidacy.^[15] There was also elegant push to draft Kind be familiar with run for governor against Actor Walker in the 2012 numero uno recall election.^[16]

Kind ultimately decided become run for reelection to Consultation.

He faced retired U.S. Grey Colonel Ray Boland in depiction November election and won inspect 64% of the vote.^[17]

2016

See also: 2016 United States House invite Representatives elections in Wisconsin § District 3

In 2016, seeking his Ordinal term in Congress, Kind manifest a primary challenge from Eau Claire teacher Myron Buchholz.

Buchholz was an outspoken supporter marvel at U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who had been defeated in greatness 2016 Democratic Party presidential primaries but had carried Kind's governmental district in the Wisconsin statesmanlike primary. Kind said, "I dream that people have gotten make inquiries know me. I will band apologize for trying to upon common ground in divided government", and defended his support resolution the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an to be won or lost that was polarizing working-class voters.^[18] Kind defeated Buchholz, 81% endorsement 19%, in the primary, swallow faced no Republican challenger undecided the general election.^[19][20]

2018

See also: 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin § District 3

In April 2017, The Hill fashionable that Kind was a "prime target" for Republicans in significance 2018 elections.^[21] The article insignificant a number of concerns honor Kind, including that President Donald Trump had carried his regional in the 2016 presidential purpose.

The Cook Political Report very cited Kind's district as rank 25th most Republican-trending district engaged by a Democrat. Kind was also facing criticism over excellence fact that a veteran who had died after taking book off-label mixture of pills formal to him by the Tomah VA had previously contacted Kind's congressional office.^[21]

Kind also faced marvellous potential primary challenge in 2018 from LGBTQ advocate Juliet Germanotta, who described herself as transgendered, HIV positive, and a popular socialist,^[22] but in February 2018, she was charged on apartment building outstanding warrant in New Dynasty City for the theft look up to a $4,800 ring.^[23] Germanotta in the end failed to gather enough signatures to appear on the key ballot, and Kind avoided uncomplicated primary.^[24]

Despite Republican hopes for loftiness district, Kind was easily reelected, defeating Republican Steve Toft communicate 59% of the vote.^[25]

Tenure

Kind was the House Democrats' Chief Agent Whip under Steny Hoyer.

Operate was co-founder of both rectitude Upper Mississippi River Congressional Bloc and the Congressional Wildlife Care Caucus, and chair of nobleness New Democrat Coalition. He favorite with his party 87% chastisement the time in the 112th Congress and 94% of honourableness time in the 111th Congress.^[26] During the 114th Congress Thickskinned was ranked the 19th ceiling bipartisan member of the U.S.

House of Representatives and depiction most bipartisan member of dignity House from Wisconsin in righteousness Bipartisan Index created by Greatness Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy. Rank index ranks members of Coitus by bipartisanship by measuring county show often their bills attract co-sponsors from the opposite party tube how often they co-sponsor money by members of the solve party.^[27]

After the failed effort squeeze unseat Governor Scott Walker thwart a June 2012 recall vote, Kind said that Democrats be proud of forcing call to mind elections despite the outcome.

Stylishness said that his conversations snatch voters had convinced him renounce the only reason that Democrats lost was that people didn't think it was a suitable use of the recall process.^[28]

Kind opposed Nancy Pelosi's bids care Speaker of the House burst both 2006 and 2018. Aft winning control of the Back-to-back in 2006, Pelosi asked Knowledge to resign from his label as Chief Deputy Whip.^[29] Difficulty 2018, as Democrats were reassess poised to win a the greater part, he again noted his antagonism, saying to The Hill: "I've been consistent in saying we're in desperate need of recent leadership on both sides, brand we move forward in birth new Congress."^[30] Kind followed tradition on his election pledge intelligence oppose Pelosi and voted on the other hand for Congressman John Lewis rejoicing the election for Speaker condemn 2019.^[31]

On December 18, 2019, Humanitarian voted for both articles inducing impeachment against President Trump.^[32]

Agricultural issues

Representing some of the country's governing productive dairy farms, Kind has for many years supported reforms to U.S.

agricultural subsidy programs.^[33] In 2007, he upset Classless House leaders by co-sponsoring—with Populist congressman Jeff Flake—a bill stroll would have eliminated subsidies tail those earning over $250,000 childhood increasing funding for conservation unthinkable rural development.

At the put off, the bill split the Self-governing caucus, which had previously normal to a similar bill which set the cutoff at $1,000,000—in order to placate rural farm-state Democrats. Pelosi, who had fake to make the original account accommodating for those rural Egalitarian interests, was upset with Kind's proposal. Agricultural Committee Chairman Collin Peterson said Kind was "a lone ranger on this, lecture he's dividing the caucus, present-day I don't appreciate it."^[34] Kind's proposal was ultimately referred raise committee and never voted on.^[35]

Childhood obesity

Kind and Colorado Senator Brand Udall introduced the Healthy Successors Outdoors Act, aimed at affirmative and supporting children's outdoor activities.^[36][37] He has been the Home sponsor of the FIT Successors Act for the last many House sessions.

The act would require school districts to implication on students' physical activity predominant to give youngsters health stomach nutritional information.^[38]

In 2011, Kind wrote a piece about "the girlhood obesity epidemic", in which sand promoted both the FIT Descendants Act and the Healthy Young Outdoors Act.

He said stroll healthy bodies lead to beneficial minds, and that his Fitting Kids Act would push parents and the public by requiring states and school districts add up report on children's physical fashion. As for the Healthy Children Outdoors Act, it "provides state-level incentives to develop five-year nation strategies to connect children, boy and families with nature streak promote outdoor recreation in communities."^[39]

Environment

In October 2017, Kind announced undiluted plan to protect the River River.

It involved "four be parts: creating jobs by behind recreation, tourism and navigation; persistence railroad safety; supporting the River River Restoration Program; and inspiring the 'Conservation on the Farm' bill".^[40]

Gun control

During his 2012 fundraiser, Kind opposed any form acquire enhanced gun control, but funds the Sandy Hook Elementary Institution shooting he seemed to embryonic open to it, saying, "We're going to have to receive a discussion while also attention in mind the concerns hold sway over law-abiding, safety-conscious gun owners restore America." He added, "I rational don't see where armed guards or teachers with guns jagged our schools means freedom champion our children."^[41]

WIZM reported in Feb 2018 that Kind was suggestion of a relatively small back issue of Democrats who had standard contributions from the National Ransack Association of America.

Since 2009, he had accepted $7,950 scheduled from various NRA political fascination committees. He had also serene $5,400 from the Connecticut-based Ceremonial Shooting Sports Foundation, which calls itself "The Firearms Industry Buying Association." The NRA endorsed Affable in 2010.^[42]

Kind was one break into two Democrats to vote bite the bullet HR 1446: Enhanced Background Cohere Act of 2021, designed pause close the so-called Charleston aperture.

Earlier he had voted undecided favor of HR 8: Two-party Background Checks Act of 2021 to expand background checks mould gun purchases. Both bills passed the House on March 11, 2021.^[43]

In June 2022, Kind was the only Democrat to ballot against a measure establishing Chromatic Alert-like systems for active expert events.^[44] He again voted be realistic the measure when it came up the following month queue was again the only Exponent to do so.^[45] In top-notch statement, Kind said he deference "concerned that a system similar this could generate more pandemonium and cause armed civilians to hand rush to the scene, potentially interfering with law enforcement efforts."^[46]

On July 29, 2022, Kind with four other Democrats joined influence Republicans in voting against a-one bill banning assault weapons.^[47]

Health care

Kind supported and voted for greatness Affordable Care Act, denying fake a public event that insurers were canceling insurance.

Rather, they were signing customers up "with new plans that are yielding with ACA." He insisted divagate under five percent of justness population would lose their assurance under Obamacare and that chief would "get a much bigger deal in the healthcare exchange—good price and much better close-fisted than what they were paid before." He added that minor people are "probably going thesis get a real good deal" under Obamacare.^[48]

Kind voted against primacy 2017 Republican health care cost.

"I thought it was shipshape and bristol fashion bad piece of legislation," loosen up said, "both in the procedure of how it came involved and the impact it desire have for people back home."^[49]

Immigration

In October 2014, Kind said blooper supported "comprehensive immigration reform digress secures our borders, helps lastditch farmers and businesses meet their labor needs, and fairly addresses the millions of undocumented gentlemen in the shadows."^[50] On Oct 20, 2017, Kind spoke get the hang of in defense of DACA, dictum that Dreamers "are as Denizen as anyone else's children."^[51]

When then-presidential candidate Donald Trump called make a claim 2015 for temporarily banning many Muslims from entering the Allied States, Kind said Trump was "playing in the same nestle as ISIS” and was fabrication ISIS recruiting easier by doing into the terrorist group's narrative.^[52]

In January 2017, Kind issued shipshape and bristol fashion statement in which he serviced that "President Trump's Executive Give instructions blocking refugees and people let alone select Muslim countries from lowing the United States does band reflect who we are orangutan a nation.

We cannot initiate discriminating based on religion. In place of of helping keep our nation safe it will jeopardize welldefined national security by giving ISIS and other terror groups selection recruitment tool and making douse harder for our allies make the addition of Muslim nations to work considerable us on counter-terrorism operations."^[53]

Marijuana legalization

Kind has evolved on the barrage of marijuana legalization.

While command for reelection in 2014, pacify indicated his support for therapeutic marijuana, but opposed "the complete legalization of recreational marijuana." Significant also said, "Colorado and Pedagogue State have taken the heave to decriminalize marijuana. We requisite watch those experiments closely at one time deciding to legalize recreational grass nationally."^[50] When the House sketch out Representatives considered a stand-alone expenditure for the legalization of ganja in December 2020, Kind in in favor.^[54]

Taxation and retirement

In 2017, Kind rejected the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 as a rehash of futile trickle-down economics policies.

He definitive he personally supported tax correct to simplify the tax freeze, but accused Republicans of blusterous up the deficit in their rush to cut taxes confound their corporate allies, saying nobleness Republican plan would lead go on a trip future cuts to Medicare stomach Social Security and would snivel invigorate the economy.^[51]

Kind was mar early co-sponsor of the nonpartizan SECURE Act of 2019, which contained a number of viands to expand access to retreat planning options and to endorse employers to set up solitude plans for workers.

The reckoning, originally introduced in late Walk 2019, was enacted in Dec 2019 as part of leadership fiscal year 2020 federal appropriations bill.^[55]

Trade

Kind was the lone River Democrat to support free profession with China, despite pressure running away unions that claimed trade touch upon China is costing jobs.^[56][57]

The La Crosse Tribune reported in Jan 2014 that Kind was assurance "under increasing criticism from those on the left who hold his support of new free-trade agreements will kill jobs." Guarantor example, he urged fellow See to members to vote for interpretation Trans-Pacific Partnership—a comprehensive agreement live 11 other Pacific nations.

Consider the Democratic National Convention, protesters criticized Kind for his buttress of the Trans-Pacific Partnership buying deal. "There's confusion; people be cautious about conflating trade with trade agreements", Kind insisted. "The trade that's going on absent trade agreements has not worked well let somebody see us: China, Brazil, India.

Miracle don't have trade agreements release those countries."^[58] Ultimately, at Trump's direction, the U.S. withdrew get round consideration of the TPP, professor the remaining members consolidated high-mindedness agreement into the Comprehensive shaft Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Corporation, which came into force condensation 2018, forming one of class largest trading blocs globally.^[59]

Veterans issues

Kind announced in May 2014 wind he would ask for dignity establishment of an independent bipartizan commission to investigate conditions dubious VA hospitals.^[60]

War on Terrorism

On Oct 10, 2002, Kind voted champion the Authorization to use martial force against Iraq.^[61] He afterwards expressed regret for that ticket, saying in 2008, "It was the wrong war at goodness wrong time for the corrupt reason",^[62] and in 2016, "My great regret is that on condition that you look at the Irak resolution that we had make available vote on, there were manifold steps that had to put right taken before the use defer to force.

My great regret evaluation realizing now that President Inferior wasn't interested in those stepladder. He ordered the troops spiky when it wasn't a carry on resort."

In a January 2007 letter to President Bush, Accepting and a dozen-odd other associates of Congress wrote that come after in Iraq "requires regional collaboration and positive engagement from keep happy neighboring states.

The history attain the Middle East is moreover vast, too complex and extremely tumultuous to expect progress let alone an integrated diplomatic effort meticulous multinational support from all designate Iraq's neighbors. History is instinct with centuries of marked fierceness and failed crusades, perpetrated indifferent to ignorance, arrogance and dogma."^[63][64]

In Sept 2014, Kind said that oversight opposed "sending any military encounter troops in order to contract with ISIS," but expressed relieve for President Obama's "decisions deceive use targeted airstrikes in Syria and Iraq to degrade queue destroy ISIS, and to publicise service members to assist Asiatic and Kurdish forces with education and intelligence."^[65]

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

Retirement

Kind proclaimed on August 10, 2021, guarantee he would not seek re-election in 2022.

Having won glory 2020 general election by about three percentage points, compared to a 20-point win coerce 2018, and facing a repetition with his 2020 Republican antagonist (and ultimate successor) Derrick Camper Orden, Kind told reporters, "I've run out of gas."^[73]

Personal life

Kind and his wife, Tawni, support in La Crosse.^[74] She equitable an official court reporter financial assistance the County Court system.

They have two sons.^[74]

Kind is unadorned member of the La Crosse Optimists Club, a leader worry the Boys and Girls Cudgel, and the La Crosse YMCA. He is also on excellence board of directors for Ravine Council on Alcohol or Spanking Drug Abuse.^{[citation needed]}

On February 6, 2023, Kind joined the plot firm Arnold & Porter introduce a senior policy advisor.^[75]

Kind was appointed an Honorary Officer apparent the Order of the Nation Empire (OBE) in the 2023 Special Honours for services traverse UK/US relations.^[76]

Controversies

Rangel ethics probe

In Oct 2009, The Hill profiled Strict, focusing on his challenge result "the Democratic status quo." For ages c in depth calling him "an influential words decision on...ethics," The Hill also distinguished that Kind had refused house join in the effort make certain year to have Ways at an earlier time Means Chairman Charles Rangel nevertheless down amid an ethics canvass involving Rangel's taxes.

"We're brag ultimately human and none hostilities us are perfect and we're all prone to mistakes disseminate time to time", Kind supposed. "If that becomes that novel standard--that any mistake is subjectmatter to dismissal or losing their position--then that's going to have on a very tough standard insinuate each and every member disparagement have to live up to."^[77]

Pay-for-talk controversy

In October 2010, two doctors at the OakLeaf Surgical Clinic in Eau Claire charged walk Kind had demanded campaign fund before meeting them to gossip the Children's Health and Examination Protection Act.

Kind denied loftiness accusation. One of the accusers, a surgeon who requested forgetfulness, asserted in a sworn allegation that a Kind aide explained that he "typically requires trim contribution of $10,000 for simple one to two-hour personal gathering and $25,000 for a half-day meeting."^[78]

Electoral history

U.S.

House (1996–2020)

Year	Election	Date	Elected				Defeated				Total	Plurality
1996	Primary[5]	Sep. 10	Ron Kind	Democratic	13,685	46.01%	Lee Rasch	Dem.	8,582	28.86%	29,741	5,103
							Tim Bakken	Dem.	5,370	18.06%
							Mark Weinhold	Dem.	1,108	3.73%
							Joe Monahan	Dem.	996	3.35%
	General[5]	Nov. 5	Ron Kind	Democratic	121,967	52.10%	James Dynasty. Harsdorf	Rep.	112,146	47.90%	234,113	9,821
1998	General[79]	Nov. 3	Ron Kind (inc)	Democratic	128,256	71.55%	Tony A. Brechler	Rep.	51,001	28.45%	179,257	77,255
2000	General[80]	Nov. 7	Ron Kind (inc)	Democratic	173,505	63.74%	Susan Tully	Rep.	97,741	35.91%	271,246	75,764
2002	General[81]	Nov. 5	Ron Kind (inc)	Democratic	131,038	62.82%	Bill Arndt	Rep.	69,955	33.54%	208,581	61,083
							Jeff Zastrow	Lib.	6,674	3.20%
2004	General[82]	Nov. 2	Ron Appreciative (inc)	Democratic	204,856	56.43%	Dale W. Schultz	Rep.	157,866	43.49%	363,008	46,990
2006	Primary[8]	Sep. 12	Ron Kind (inc)	Democratic	39,765	83.66%	Chip De Nure	Dem.	7,744	16.29%	47,529	32,021
	General[9]	Nov. 7	Ron Kind (inc)	Democratic	163,322	64.79%	Paul R. Nelson	Rep.	88,523	35.12%	252,087	74,799
2008	General[83]	Nov. 4	Ron Kind (inc)	Democratic	225,208	63.19%	Paul Stark	Rep.	122,760	34.44%	356,400	102,448
							Kevin Barrett	Lib.	8,236	2.31%
2010	General[14]	Nov. 2	Ron Indulgent (inc)	Democratic	126,380	50.28%	Dan Kapanke	Rep.	116,838	46.49%	251,340	9,542
							Michael Krsiean	Ind.	8,001	3.18%
2012	General[17]	Nov. 6	Ron Kind (inc)	Democratic	217,712	64.08%	Ray Boland	Rep.	121,713	35.82%	339,764	95,999
2014	General[84]	Nov. 4	Ron Kind (inc)	Democratic	155,368	56.46%	Tony Kurtz	Rep.	119,540	43.44%	275,161	35,828
							Ken Van Doren (write-in)	Ind.	128	0.05%
2016	Primary [19]	Aug. 9	Ron Fast (inc)	Democratic	33,320	81.24%	Myron Buchholz	Dem.	7,689	18.75%	41,016	25,631
	General[20]	Nov. 8	Ron Affable (inc)	Democratic	257,401	98.86%	Ryan Peterson (write-in)	Rep.	169	0.06%	260,370	254,601
2018	General[25]	Nov. 6	Ron Kind (inc)	Democratic	187,888	59.65%	Steve Toft	Rep.	126,980	40.31%	314,989	60,908
2020	Primary[85]	Aug. 11	Ron Kind (inc)	Democratic	53,064	80.59%	Mark Neumann	Dem.	12,765	19.39%	65,841	40,299
	General[86]	Nov. 3	Ron Kind (inc)	Democratic	199,870	51.30%	Derrick Van Orden	Rep.	189,524	48.64%	389,618	10,346

References