Definition
Doug La Follette is an American politician who served as the Secretary of State of Wisconsin from 1983 until 2023, making him one of the longest‑serving statewide elected officials in United States history.
Overview
Born on June 6, 1940, in Madison, Wisconsin, La Follette earned a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Prior to entering elected office, he worked as a professor of political science at the same university and served on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents (1977‑1983). A member of the Democratic Party, he was first elected Secretary of State in 1982 and was subsequently re‑elected eleven times. During his tenure, La Follette oversaw the administration of state elections, the filing of corporate and business documents, and the custody of the Great Seal of Wisconsin. He announced his retirement in 2022, and the office was succeeded by Sarah Godlewski in January 2023.
Etymology / Origin
- Doug is a diminutive of Douglas, a Scottish given name derived from the Gaelic elements dubh (“dark”) and glas (“river” or “stream”).
- La Follette is a surname of French origin, meaning “the fox” (la “the” + folette a diminutive of renard). The name is historically associated with a prominent political family in Wisconsin, although Doug La Follette is not a direct descendant of the early 20th‑century La Follette political dynasty.
Characteristics
- Political affiliation: Democratic Party.
- Length of service: 40 years (ten consecutive terms).
- Core responsibilities: Administration of statewide elections, maintenance of official state records (e.g., business registrations, notary commissions), and preservation of the Great Seal.
- Notable initiatives: Modernization of the office’s electronic filing systems; advocacy for voter education programs; occasional public commentary on election integrity and campaign finance reform.
- Controversies: The Wisconsin Secretary of State’s office faced budget reductions and discussions about the relevance of its duties during La Follette’s later terms, leading to occasional legislative proposals to transfer or eliminate certain functions. La Follette publicly defended the office’s constitutional role in safeguarding election processes.
Related Topics
- Secretary of State of Wisconsin (office and duties)
- Wisconsin state government and elections
- La Follette family (prominent Wisconsin political lineage)
- Democratic Party politics in the United States
- State‑level election administration and reform movements