Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 33 minutes ago
--Submitted by Sharyn Alden
On January 21, Rotarians Heard Former State Senator Fred Risser, America’s Longest Serving Legislator, Share Highlights of his Extraordinary Life in Government with Author, Doug Moe.
At the age of 29, in 1956, when he became a member of the Wisconsin Legislature, Fred Risser was the fourth generation in his family to serve in office. When asked about political parties, Risser, a Democrat, said he comes from four different political parties in his own family.
How did he become a staunch, progressive liberal? Risser said all of his ancestors, all of whom came to the U.S. from Germany, participated in government, primarily in school government. As an example, he noted that Madison’s Crestwood Elementary School was founded in 1907 by a family member.
Risser served under 13 different Wisconsin governors and spear-headed numerous initiatives like “Joe (McCarthy) Must Go” and the first Anti-Smoking bill in the state.
What he accomplished during his time in office was nothing short of significant. He authored a staggering number –240- bills that became law.
Doug Moe, a critically acclaimed author of non-fiction books, as well as former journalist, interviewed Risser at the Rotary meeting about his legendary life.
Moe is the author of the new book, Forward for the People, that highlights Risser’s unique story.
Looking back in reviewing how Wisconsin’s way of governing has changed in the past 64 years, Risser said, “In 1962, when I was sworn into the Senate, we didn’t have a woman or a non-white member among us. I’m proud of the fact that all that has changed.”
Guest speakers start at 19:44 minutes.
--Submitted by Sharyn Alden
On January 21, Rotarians Heard Former State Senator Fred Risser, America’s Longest Serving Legislator, Share Highlights of his Extraordinary Life in Government with Author, Doug Moe.
At the age of 29, in 1956, when he became a member of the Wisconsin Legislature, Fred Risser was the fourth generation in his family to serve in office. When asked about political parties, Risser, a Democrat, said he comes from four different political parties in his own family.
How did he become a staunch, progressive liberal? Risser said all of his ancestors, all of whom came to the U.S. from Germany, participated in government, primarily in school government. As an example, he noted that Madison’s Crestwood Elementary School was founded in 1907 by a family member.
Risser served under 13 different Wisconsin governors and spear-headed numerous initiatives like “Joe (McCarthy) Must Go” and the first Anti-Smoking bill in the state.
What he accomplished during his time in office was nothing short of significant. He authored a staggering number –240- bills that became law.
Doug Moe, a critically acclaimed author of non-fiction books, as well as former journalist, interviewed Risser at the Rotary meeting about his legendary life.
Moe is the author of the new book, Forward for the People, that highlights Risser’s unique story.
Looking back in reviewing how Wisconsin’s way of governing has changed in the past 64 years, Risser said, “In 1962, when I was sworn into the Senate, we didn’t have a woman or a non-white member among us. I’m proud of the fact that all that has changed.”
Guest speakers start at 19:44 minutes.
