- David Zien
-
Dave Zien at his re-election campaign announcement, Cadott, WI 2006
Dave Zien speaking at the High Ground, Neillsville, WI 2006David Allen Zien (born March 15, 1950) is an American politician. He is a former member of the Wisconsin State Senate, who represented Wisconsin's 23rd Senate district. He is a member of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.[1]
Zien was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and attended Cadott High School. He has a B.S. from University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and an M.S. from University of Wisconsin–Stout. Zien simultaneously attended both UW-Eau Claire, and UW-Stout, earning his bachelor's and Master's degrees in record time. Zien served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1970, and is a Vietnam War veteran. Prior to holding elective office, Zien was a campus administrator at Northcentral Technical College; employment, veteran's and welfare counselor; roofer, bouncer, farmhand, and longshoreman. [2] In 1991, Zien participated in a one-armed push-up contest and did 7,127 one-armed pushups in 3.5 hours. Clark Hughes, Chuck Lee, and Scott Schultz were witnesses to this event.
Zien was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1988 and to the Wisconsin Senate in 1993 in a special election. He became the President Pro Tempore in 2005. He was defeated in his Fall 2006 re-election campaign by Democrat Pat Kreitlow.
Zien is well known around Wisconsin for driving around his district on a motorcycle with full-size American and Wisconsin flags. He was inducted in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.[3] On March 13, 2011, Zien was seriously injured while traveling in Florida on his motorcycle.[4]
During his time in office, Zien was the recipient of many awards, including the following: Legislator of the Year: Wis. Fire Chiefs Assn.2000, Wis. Bowhunters Assn. 2000, Wis. Builders Assn. 1998, Wis. DAV 1996, WACVO 1996and 1993, Milw. Police Assn. 1995, VVA 1994, American Legion 1993, VFW 1990, ABATE 1990; Wis. AllianceforFire Safety Outstanding Legislator 2000; Natl. MC Hall of Famelnductee w/PeterFonda; Iron Butt World Record HB Record 11 days, 11,233 miles; Natl. Chiefs of Police and Amer. Fed. of Police Assns. NationalAward 1998; Wis. Grocers Assn. Friendof Grocers 1999-2000, 1997-98; NRA Defender of Freedom Award by Charleton Heston 1998; Cable I I PACTV Impact Award-Best Series by an Individual 1997; Wis. Counties Assn. Outstanding Legislator 1995-96; Wis. Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture 1995-96, 1993-94, 1991-92; NFlB Guardian of Small Business 1995-96, 1991-92: USMC League Recruiter of the Year 1995; Leader-Telegram Readers' Choice Award: Most Popular Public Official 1995; and Distinguished Achievement Award 1993; Hmong Stout Student Assn. Outstanding Good Friend 1993-94; Wis. Vietnam Veterans kteran of the Year 1992: VEC Damn Fine Legislator 1992.[5]
On June 21, 2011, Zien and two Tea Party members were accused of harassing and assaulting members of the Solidarity Sing Along group in the Wisconsin State Capitol. Zien allegedly ran over group members' toes and belongings with his wheelchair.[6][7][8] Zien was never charged with any crime, and the allegations that he ran over protesters belongings on purpose were not substantiated by videotape of the incident.Dave Zien logged more than 2 million miles riding motorcycles before being critically injured in a violent highway crash in Florida. Even though the 61-year-old former state representative and senator lost part of his left leg - and almost his life - in the March crash, he has returned to the open road, this time on a three-wheeled Harley-Davidson.
[9]
Notes
- ^ David Zein, Wisconsin Historical Society
- ^ [1]
- ^ Former Senator Dave Zien
- ^ Former State Senator Dave Zien
- ^ [2]
- ^ Protester punched in the face at daily Capitol singalong
- ^ Gun Rights Activists Assault Solidarity Singers
- ^ Man arrested for battery in Capitol altercation
- ^ http://www.leadertelegram.com/news/front_page/article_7ae1a53a-c567-11e0-b274-001cc4c002e0.html#user-comment-area]
Wisconsin State Senate Preceded by
Marvin RoshellWisconsin State Senator - 23rd District
1993 – 2007Succeeded by
Pat KreitlowWisconsin State Assembly Preceded by
Joseph LoobyWisconsin State Assemblyman - 68th District
1989 – 1993Succeeded by
David PlombonCategories:- 1950 births
- Living people
- Wisconsin State Senators
- Members of the Wisconsin State Assembly
- Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductees
- University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire alumni
- University of Wisconsin–Stout alumni
- American military personnel from Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Republicans
- Wisconsin politician stubs
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
