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Why did Governor Robert M. La Follette establish a direct primary in Wisconsin?
Governor Robert "Fighting Bob" La Follette
In 1897, Robert M. La Follette advocated for tax reform, corporation regulation, and political democracy. He also advocated steeper railroad taxes and a direct primary. He was elected governor of Wisconsin in 1900.
Robert LaFollette
Robert La Follette
Robert La Follette
Robert La Follette Sr. made Wisconsin the laboratory of democracy by having a direct primary election rather than let candidates be decided in smoke-filled rooms. He also got initiatives and referendums passed.
Robert La Follette expanded democracy by championing the "Wisconsin idea" which pioneered Workmen's Compensation and minimum wage legislation. He pushed forward corporate and railroad regulations along with progressive taxation. He favored an expanded political democracy to allow people to move toward economic democracy.
Robert M. La Follette.
Robert La Follette, Sr. was a Wisconsin Congressman, Governor, and later US Senator. He served as Governor form 1901 - 1906, and as US Senator from 1906 - 1925. He was a Republican who was instrumental in the creation of Progressivism and the Progressive Party. He ran for President in 1924 as a third party (Progressive) candidate, garnering 17% of the vote. His nickname was "Fighting Bob".
Robert La Follette
was an American senator from Wisconsin from 1925 to 1947, the son of Robert M. La Follette, Sr., the brother of Philip La Follette, and the brother-in-law of the playwright George Middleton.