Born Milwaukee, July 3, 1955. Graduate Homestead H.S. (Mequon); B.B.A.; J.D. UW-Madison. Former practicing attorney. Member: Kiwanis-West Bend Early Risers; Washington Co. Bar Assn.; Loyal Order of the Moose-West Bend; UW-Madison Alumni Assn. of Washington Co.; Kettle Moraine Symphony (bd. member). Recipient: Milwaukee Co. Rep. Party Assembly Tax Cutter of the Year 2002; Ind. Bus. Assn. Legislator of the Year 2000; Wis. Counties Assn. Outstanding Legislator Award 1997-98; Wis. Right to Life Pro-Life Hero Award 1996, Sanctity of Life Award 2004; Pro-Life Wis. Legislator of the Year 1995; Wis. Grocers Assn. Friend of Grocers Award 1997-2004; Wis. Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award 1995-2007; Wis. Dairy Business Assn. Milk Bottle Award 2006, 2004; Wis. Curves for Women Legislator of the Year Award 2003; Wis. Builders Assn. Friend of Housing Award 2001-07, Legislator of the Year 2005; Apartment Assoc. Legislator of the Year 2000; Nat’l Fed. of Independent Businesses Guardian of Small Business Award 1999-2000, 2005-06; Wis. Manufacturers and Commerce Working for Wisconsin Award 1998-2006; Wis. Guild of Midwives Legislator of the Year 2006; Eagle Forum Leadership Award 2007. Assistant Minority Leader 2009; Minority Caucus Chairperson 2007; Majority Caucus Vice Chairperson 2003, 2001, 1999.