Veteran Wisconsin Congressmen Could Embark On Statewide Tour Together

Two long-time Wisconsin Congressmen — David Obey and Tom Petri — are planning a joint tour around the state to espouse bipartisanship.

Obey, a Democrat, retired from public office in 2011 after serving 42 years in Congress. After this fall’s election, Petri, a Republican, will himself retire after serving for 35 years.

The two have verbally committed to travel the state in order to talk to students and community groups about bipartisanship, in a tour organized by the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service at the University of Wisconsin-Marathon.

“This is their attempt to come together, a Republican and a Democrat, to show by example as well as by word that bipartisanship is possible, that agreement is possible even when there’s philosophical differences,” said Eric Giordano, the director of the institute.

Giordano said the two made similar appearances in their districts a few years ago, but he hopes the upcoming tour will include more of the state. He’s inviting campuses and civic groups to apply to become a stop on the tour, which may begin early next year.