MADISON, Wis. — Governor Tony Evers announced Tuesday that former Wisconsin state senators Tim Cullen and George Petak have passed away.
Gov. Evers praised Tim Cullen, saying, He always stood up for working families, helped kids in the Janesville area, and pushed hard for fair voting districts and better access to voting during and after his time in the Senate.
Cullen served in the Wisconsin Senate from 1974 to 1987 and was re-elected in 2010. In 2011, he was one of 14 Democrats who left the state in an effort to stop Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to limit public workers’ union rights. Unfortunately, their efforts didn’t succeed. Cullen was 80 years old.
George Petak, a Republican, faced a political challenge in 1996 when he was removed from office after changing his vote to support a stadium deal. The deal, which kept the Milwaukee Brewers in the city, was mostly funded by a small 0.1% sales tax in Milwaukee County and nearby areas, including his district in Racine County.
Gov. Evers said, “Sen. Petak was a man of faith and principles. He cared deeply for others and always worked to make a difference with kindness and integrity.
The Milwaukee Brewers also honored Petak, saying he loved Wisconsin and worked hard to make it a better place. Former MLB Commissioner Bud Selig added, George was a true hero for Milwaukee and Wisconsin. His support for the stadium ensured the Brewers stayed here. Heroes often face challenges, and George did, but his legacy is clear every time we visit American Family Field.