Biographical Overview
Herbert H. "Herb" Kohl was born on February 7, 1935, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, into a prominent business family. He grew up in the retail industry, as his family owned and operated Kohl's department stores, which would later become a major national chain. Kohl earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1956 and later obtained a master's degree in business administration from Harvard Business School in 1958.
Before entering politics, Kohl built a successful business career. He served as president of Kohl's Corporation from 1970 to 1979, significantly expanding the family retail business throughout the Midwest. In 1985, he made headlines by purchasing the Milwaukee Bucks NBA basketball team for $18 million, citing his commitment to keeping the franchise in Milwaukee. His business acumen and deep Wisconsin roots positioned him as a respected figure in the state's economic and civic life.
Congressional Service
Senate Career and Committee Work
Kohl served in the United States Senate from 1989 to 2013, representing Wisconsin for 24 years. Throughout his tenure, he held key positions on several important committees:
- Senate Appropriations Committee, where he served as Chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee
- Senate Judiciary Committee
- Senate Special Committee on Aging, which he chaired from 2007 to 2013
Legislative Priorities and Political Positions
As a moderate Democrat, Kohl focused on issues affecting seniors, agriculture, and consumer protection. His work on the Special Committee on Aging led to significant legislation protecting elderly Americans from fraud and abuse. He was instrumental in passing the Elder Justice Act and consistently advocated for Medicare and Social Security protections.
Kohl was known for his bipartisan approach and fiscal conservatism within the Democratic Party. He often crossed party lines on spending issues and was considered one of the more centrist members of his caucus. His agricultural background made him a strong advocate for Wisconsin's dairy farmers and rural communities, supporting farm subsidies and rural development programs.
Historical Significance and Legacy
Kohl's quarter-century in the Senate coincided with major political shifts in American politics, from the end of the Cold War through the post-9/11 era. His moderate stance and willingness to work across the aisle exemplified a style of governance that became increasingly rare in modern American politics. He was known for his accessibility to constituents and his practice of holding town halls in all 72 Wisconsin counties annually.
His decision not to seek re-election in 2012 marked the end of an era in Wisconsin politics, as he was succeeded by Democrat Tammy Baldwin, who became the first openly gay U.S. Senator.
Notable Contributions and Interesting Facts
Beyond his legislative work, Kohl was known for several unique characteristics:
- He was one of the wealthiest members of Congress, with a net worth estimated in the hundreds of millions
- Despite his wealth, he was known for his frugal lifestyle and often flew commercial rather than private aircraft
- He established the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to Wisconsin students and teachers
- In 2014, he sold the Milwaukee Bucks for $550 million while ensuring the team remained in Milwaukee