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Kleczka passes away
Kleczka passes away
MILWAUKEE -- Former U.S. Rep. Jerry Kleczka, a liberal Democrat who represented a Wisconsin district that included his hometown of Milwaukee for 20 years, has died. He was 73.
Kleczka died Sunday in the Madison area of natural causes, according to his nephew, Jeff Kleczka.
A factory worker's son, Kleczka represented Wisconsin's 4th District from 1984 to 2005. He retired from Congress and was succeeded by Democrat Gwen Moore.
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Jerry Kleczka remembered
Jerry Kleczka remembered
Jerry Kleczka (January 2004)
Before winning a special election to the U.S. House in 1984, Kleczka served in the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin says Kleczka's career "centered around tirelessly helping his constituents and community in Milwaukee."
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Jerry Kleczka
The following are statements issued by people who knew Kleczka:
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Martha Laning
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett
State Rep. Peter Barca (D - Kenosha)
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Jerry Kleczka annnounces he’s not running for re-election (January 2004)
Jerry Kleczka annnounces he's not running for re-election (January 2004)