David Zien

David Allen Zien (born March 15, 1950) is an American politician who represented Wisconsin's 23rd Senate district as a Republican member of the Wisconsin State Senate.[1]

Dave Zien
Member of the Wisconsin Senate
from the 23rd district
In office
1993 – January 3, 2007
Preceded byMarvin J. Roshell
Succeeded byPat Kreitlow
Personal details
BornChippewa Falls
NationalityAmerican
EducationUniversity of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
University of Wisconsin - Stout
OccupationPolitician

Early life, education and political career

Zien was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and attended Cadott High School. He has a B.S. from University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and an M.S. from University of Wisconsin–Stout. Prior to holding elected office, Zien was a campus administrator at Northcentral Technical College.[2] Zien was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1988 and to the Wisconsin Senate in 1993 in a special election. He became the President pro tempore in 2005. He was defeated in his Fall 2006 re-election campaign by Democrat Pat Kreitlow.

Military service

Zein joined the United States Marines and served with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment in the Vietnam War in 1969.[3] While in Vietnam, his unit fought at The Rockpile.[3] He was discharged in 1970. He built a memorial called "Rockpile II" in Wheaton, Wisconsin dedicated to those who served in the Vietnam War.[3]

Motorcycle injury

Zien is well known in Wisconsin for driving through the state on a motorcycle with full-size American and Wisconsin flags. He was inducted in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.[4] On March 13, 2011, Zien was seriously injured while traveling in Florida on his motorcycle.[5] Dave Zien logged more than two million miles riding motorcycles before being critically injured in a violent highway crash in Florida. Even though the 61-year-old former state representative and senator lost part of his left leg – and almost his life – in the March crash, he has continued to ride, this time on a three-wheeled Harley-Davidson.

Awards and recognition

During his time in office, Zien was the recipient of many awards, including the following: Legislator of the Year, membership in the American Legion, National MC Hall of Fame inductee with Peter Fonda, NRA Defender of Freedom Award presented by Charlton Heston, Outstanding Legislator, 1995–96, and NFlB Guardian of Small Business, 1995–96.[6] WIAA State Wrestling Qualifier for Cadott High School.

Controversy

On June 21, 2011, Zien and two Tea Party members were accused of harassing and assaulting members of the Solidarity Sing Along group in the Wisconsin State Capitol. Zien allegedly ran over group members' belongings with his wheelchair.[7][8][9][10]

Notes
  1. "David Zein, Wisconsin Historical Society". Archived from the original on 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2009-10-21.
  2. "Wisconsin Blue Book 2001 - 2002" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-05-28. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
  3. Rodriquez Jr., Ismael. "'A Passion That Turned Into Obsession'", VFW Magazine, volume 108, number 2, October 2020.
  4. Joe Petrie (April 3, 2009). "A million miles from yesterday". gmtoday. Archived from the original on May 17, 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  5. Chuck Rupnow (March 14, 2011). "Ex-state senator from Eau Claire loses leg in crash". TwinCities.com. Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on March 18, 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  6. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-05-28. Retrieved 2011-05-06.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. Amelia Cerling (June 22, 2011). "Former Senator Dave Zien involved in ruckus at state capitol". WEAU 13 News. Gray Media Group. Archived from the original on June 25, 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  8. Sandy Cullen (June 22, 2011). "Protester punched in the face at daily Capitol singalong". Wisconsin State Journal. Archived from the original on June 24, 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  9. Gun Rights Activists Assault Solidarity Singers
  10. Rebecca Kemble (June 21, 2011). "Gun Rights Activists Assault Solidarity Singers". The Progressive. Archived from the original on June 25, 2011.
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