Updated 2p
Former Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca---from Kenosha---is joining Governor-elect Tony Evers' cabinet as Secretary of the Department of Revenue.
The 63-year-old Democrat served in the Assembly from 1985-1993---was a US Congressman from 1993 to 1995---and---was re-elected to the Assembly in 2009.
He has represented the 64th Assembly District which includes much of the City of Kenosha and portions of the City of Racine---the Town of Somers---the Village of Mount Pleasant---and---the Village of Elmwood Park.
In a news release, Barca said he's thrilled to lead what he called a critical state agency. "My priorities as a legislator have always been economic development, helping to stimulate family supporting jobs, expand the middle class and assist small business growth," Barca said. "The state Revenue Department plays a critical role in all these aspects."
In the legislature, Barca served as Minority Leader from 2011 to 2017, but was replaced after he voted in favor of the Republican bill to offer billions in cash incentives to lure tech giant Foxconn to southeast Wisconsin. The plant will be located near Barca's Kenosha district.
Lawmakers from both parties praised Barca's appointment.
"Gov.-elect Evers finally got one right," said Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester. "Rep. Barca is a reasonable Democrat who is more than willing to work across the aisle and has the political courage to do what’s right for the people of Wisconsin."
It wasn't immediately clear how Barca's Assembly seat will be filled.
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