Democratic Congressman from northern Wisconsin.

Obey represented the 7th Congressional District for 21 consecutive terms from 1969 to 2011. His district included much of the northwestern portion of Wisconsin, including the cities of Wausau and Superior. A Democrat, Obey served as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations from 1994 to 1995 and again from 2007-2011.

From the 2003 Wisconsin Blue Book: Born October 3, 1938; married. Graduate St. James Grade School; Wausau East H.S.; B.S. UW-Madison 1960; M.A. UW-Madison 1963. Former real estate broker; worker in family-owned supper club and motel. State legislative service: Elected to Assembly 1962-68. Asst. Minority Leader 1967, 1969. Elected to U.S. House of Representatives in April 1969 special election; reelected since 1970. Committee assignments: 108th Congress - Appropriations Committee (ranking mbr., chp. 103rd Congress, mbr. since 91st Congress), ex officio mbr. of all its subcommittees including its Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (ranking mbr.) (Blue Book 2003-04)

Early in 2011 Obey donated the records of his 41-year career to the Wisconsin Historical Society. They are expected to be ready for public use in the middle of 2012.

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[Source: Blue book]