Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
State Sen. Roger Breske (D–Eland) will be the state’s commissioner of railroads, Gov. Jim Doyle said Monday, meaning the state Senate will lose one of its longest-serving members and open a battle for Breske's seat this fall.
Breske replaces Rodney Kreunen as commissioner; his term begins in June. Last year, Kreunen paid a $500 forfeiture for abusing his powers by trying to ride in a train cab that prompted a public altercation with a railroad president.
The term for Kreunen, who was originally appointed by then-Gov. Tommy Thompson, expired in 2005.
A press release on Breske’s appointment makes no mention of Kreunen.
Breske, first elected to the 12th Senate District in 1990, said in a statement he had “every intention” to seek re-election this fall until the opportunity arose to be the railroad commissioner. Breske had been facing a challenge from Republican Tom Tiffany — the same opponent he beat in 2004.
Breske, chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee, said the new job was a “natural fit.”
“Even though transportation system have been modernized with other forms, rail continues to link raw materials and finished products to our people and industries,” Breske said.
A former president of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, Breske has also been a leader on issues related to taverns, restaurants and alcohol regulation, and was a major opponent this session of a statewide smoking ban — a priority of Doyle’s.
Breske’s pay will nearly double, going from his legislative salary of $47,413 to $85,000 as railroad commissioner.
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