Lee Sherman Dreyfus

Lee Sherman Dreyfus was an American educator, broadcaster, and politician who served as the 40th Governor of Wisconsin from 1979 to 1983. A member of the Republican Party, he was a political outsider who famously campaigned in a signature red vest and defeated incumbent Acting Governor Martin J. Schreiber. His administration was marked by a significant state income tax cut and the creation of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation precursor. Prior to his governorship, Dreyfus was a respected chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and a familiar television personality in Wisconsin.

Early life and education

Lee Sherman Dreyfus was born on June 20, 1926, in Milwaukee, the son of Sherman Dreyfus and Ruth Conner. He attended Washington High School in Milwaukee before enrolling at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His studies were interrupted by service in World War II. After the war, he returned to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1949, a Master of Arts in 1952, and a Doctor of Philosophy in speech communication in 1957. His doctoral dissertation focused on the broadcasting style of journalist Paul Harvey.

Military service

During World War II, Dreyfus served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946. He was stationed primarily at the Naval Training Center Bainbridge in Maryland and achieved the rank of seaman apprentice. His military service provided his first significant experience in public speaking and communications, skills he would later hone as an educator and broadcaster.

Political career

Dreyfus entered politics as a complete novice, spurred by his frustration with government bureaucracy while serving as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. In 1978, he entered the Republican gubernatorial primary, defeating established candidates like Congressman Robert W. Kasten Jr. He then faced Acting Governor Martin J. Schreiber, a Democrat who had assumed office after the resignation of Governor Patrick Lucey. Dreyfus's charismatic, plain-speaking campaign, symbolized by his red vest, resonated with voters, and he won the election.

Governorship of Wisconsin

Dreyfus served as the 40th Governor of Wisconsin from January 4, 1979, to January 3, 1983. His signature achievement was the "Dreyfus Dividend," a nearly $1 billion state income tax cut passed by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1979. He also signed legislation creating the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation precursor to stimulate business growth. A fiscal conservative, he often clashed with the Democratic-controlled Wisconsin State Assembly. He chose not to seek re-election in 1982, and was succeeded by Democrat Anthony S. Earl.

Post-gubernatorial career

After leaving the Wisconsin State Capitol, Dreyfus returned to the private sector. He served as a senior executive for the Sentry Insurance company in Stevens Point and later as president of the broadcasting group Journal Communications in Milwaukee. He remained a prominent public speaker and political commentator, frequently appearing on television and radio programs across Wisconsin. He also taught courses at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Personal life and death

In 1953, Dreyfus married Joyce Mae Gohlke; they had three children. Known for his wit and engaging personality, he was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. Lee Sherman Dreyfus died of a stroke on January 2, 2008, at his home in Waukesha. He was interred at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison. His red vest is housed in the collections of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Category:1926 births Category:2008 deaths Category:Governors of Wisconsin Category:University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni Category:Republican Party governors of Wisconsin