Thomas William Harnisch (born January 16, 1947) is an American lawyer and former politician from Clark County, Wisconsin. A Democrat, he served two terms in the Wisconsin Senate, representing Wisconsin's 31st Senate district from 1975 to 1983.
Early life Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Harnisch graduated from Gale-Ettrick High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Juris Doctor degree from University of Minnesota Law School.Wisconsin Blue Book 1981-1982, Biographical Sketch of Thomas W. Harnisch
Wisconsin Senate Harnisch was a member of a class of freshman Senate Democrats that included Gary Goyke, Kathryn Morrison, and Timothy Cullen. The 1974 election marked the first time Democrats won control of the Wisconsin Senate since 1893."Dems Win Control of Senate first time since 1893" The Associated Press, November 6, 1974
Harnisch took an interest in higher education and conservation during his two terms in the Senate. He crafted legislation creating the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine "2 Vow to Fight for Vet School," Milwaukee Sentinel, January 16, 1979History-School of Veterinary Medicine and was one of the leaders in creating the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.LaFollette School Celebrates 40 Years"Pork Barrel Filled to Rim" Wisconsin State Journal July 12, 1981 He also helped create a graduate program in energy analysis and policy at the University of Wisconsin–Madison."EAP Program History"
Harnisch authored the Wisconsin Farmland Preservation Act, a state program designed to preserve farmland, provide property tax relief to farmers, and prevent soil erosion."State Senator Tom Harnisch Reports: Harnisch Introduces Farm Tax Relief Measures," The Blair Press, February 17, 1977 He also authored legislation creating the Inland Waters Trout Stamp program, which used its proceeds for restoring and improving trout habitats."WI Trout Stamp Turns 30" Wisconsin Trout July 2007 The program is considered a national model today.Expenditures of Inland Water Stamp Revenues Fiscal Years 2004-07Wisconsin Trout Stamp Turns 30 July 2007 He was the architect of the Wisconsin Conservation Corps, a conservation and youth employment program modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps. Harnisch introduced the legislation in 1981, which was vetoed by Governor Lee S. Dreyfus. The bill was reintroduced by Thomas A. Loftus and signed into law in 1983.President's Commission on Americans Outdoors, Americans Outdoors: The Legacy, The Challenge, with Case Studies, p. 372 Harnisch was appointed by Governor Tony Earl as the first chair of the Wisconsin Conservation Corps Board."Harnisch sees success for state CCC program," Eau Claire Leader Telegram August 17, 1983" The program remained active until 2003.Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development "Wisconsin Conservation Corps 1983-2003 20 years of service to Wisconsin" He was also an early proponent of state policies to encourage recycling"State Senator Tom Harnisch Reports: Mandatory Deposit Legislation," The Blair Press, February 3, 1977 as well as investments in alternative energy sources, including solar energy."Co-op leader sees oil import lid," Wisconsin State Journal, November 14, 1979
In 1981, Harnisch faced an unsuccessful recall election campaign over his support for soil and water conservation legislation. The campaign drew controversy over alleged involvement by the Necedah Shrine religious group and the extremist organization Posse Comitatus. Harnisch was aided during the recall effort by attorney Russell Feingold."The Reluctant Warrior" Milwaukee Magazine, February 21, 2007
Post-Senate activities Harnisch received the Wisconsin Idea Award in Natural Resource Policy in 1989 for his leadership in agricultural and rural development policy, including the Farmland Preservation Act."Wisconsin Idea honorees named" WI Week, April 26, 1989 He remained active in politics as Wisconsin co-chair of the 1988 presidential campaign of Al Gore, later as a Gore delegate at the 1988 Democratic National Convention.Wisconsin Blue Book 1989-90, p. 902 He was long affiliated with the Wisconsin Towns Association later in his career."State Should Keep Smart Growth Law" The Daily Reporter, June 9, 2003
Personal life and family Harnisch married Pamela Ann Theirl, a kindergarten teacher, on January 29, 1977. They have five adult children and still reside in Neillsville, Wisconsin.
Electoral history
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| Primary election, September 10, 1974
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| General election, November 5, 1974
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| Primary election, September 12, 1978
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| General election, November 7, 1978
References