[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN REMEMBRANCE OF CARL THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Carl 
Thompson, who served as an advocate for Progressive values in the 
Wisconsin State Legislature for 32 years.
  Mr. Thompson was the youngest delegate to the 1934 founding 
convention of the Progressive Party, and eventually led the Wisconsin 
Progressive Party into the newly reformed modern Democratic Party. 
After the Progressives took over the Democratic Party, they chose Carl 
as their first candidate for governor in 1948, and again in 1950. As a 
proponent of public financing of campaigns and keeping money out of 
politics, he ran for governor with only $10,000. His opponent spent 16 
times as much, but Carl still received 45 percent of the vote.
  As a State Legislator from Stoughton, he was a crusader for 
Progressive ideals. I admire his tireless efforts fighting for civil 
rights, women's rights, and for speaking for those who so often are not 
heard. Many of Wisconsin's laws we take for granted today, Carl brought 
to the attention of the State Legislature, even though they may have 
been unpopular at the time. His colleagues will tell you that they have 
considerable respect for him because he was not afraid to challenge the 
establishment.
  Carl's leadership in the State Assembly and State Senate from 1952-
1984 has left Wisconsin with a strong Progressive tradition. While his 
contemporaries left Wisconsin to go to Washington as Senators and 
Congressmen, he felt it was important to stay at home to fight for his 
causes in the conservative State Senate. He should be remembered for 
the positive impact he had as a founder of the modern Democratic Party 
of Wisconsin and the legacy that he has left for the people of 
Wisconsin.

                          ____________________