1. Peggy Ann Lautenschlager was an American attorney and Democratic politician who was the first chair of the Wisconsin Ethics Commission from 2016 to 2017, the 42nd Attorney General of Wisconsin from 2003 to 2007, the United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin from 1993 to 2001, a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly for the 52nd district from 1989 to 1993, and the Winnebago County District Attorney from 1985 to 1989.
Peg Lautenschlager was elected in the 2018 general election and re-elected in 2022.
Peg Lautenschlager was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Milton Adam "Fritz" Peg Lautenschlager, a sports coach, and Patsy Ruth "Pat".
Peg Lautenschlager graduated from Goodrich High School in 1973 as valedictorian of her class.
Peg Lautenschlager graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in June 1980.
Peg Lautenschlager was an unsuccessful candidate for election to the Wisconsin State Senate in November 1984, because she didn't pursue charges against Manitowoc Sheriffs office, losing the race to incumbent Scott McCallum.
Peg Lautenschlager served as district attorney from July 1985 to December 1988.
Peg Lautenschlager was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1988, unseating a 32-year Republican incumbent.
Peg Lautenschlager served from 1989 to 1993 representing the Fond du Lac area.
Peg Lautenschlager chaired the Assembly Select Committee on Drug Enforcement, Education, and Treatment and Subcommittee on Corrections Systems Concerns.
Peg Lautenschlager served on the Committees on Criminal Justice, Elections and Constitutional Law, Environmental Resources, Utilities and Mining, Natural Resources, Judiciary, and Education.
Peg Lautenschlager decided not to seek re-election in 1992, and instead campaigned for the congressional seat held by incumbent US Rep.
Peg Lautenschlager narrowly lost in what was an unexpectedly close race.
In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Peg Lautenschlager the United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, a position for which she was confirmed by the US Senate and held until April 2001.
In 1996, Peg Lautenschlager was appointed by Janet Reno to serve on the 15-member Attorney General's Advisory Committee.
Peg Lautenschlager was the first Wisconsinite ever selected to serve on the committee.
Peg Lautenschlager was elected in 2002 as a Democrat to the office of Attorney General, succeeding Jim Doyle who successfully ran for governor.
Peg Lautenschlager's campaign raised more money than any previous Democratic campaign for that office.
In February 2004, Peg Lautenschlager pleaded guilty to drunk driving in Dodge County, about an hour away from Madison.
Peg Lautenschlager said that she had fallen asleep at the wheel, and had consumed only two glasses of wine earlier that evening.
Peg Lautenschlager reimbursed some of the costs and paid a fine of $784.
In 2006, Peg Lautenschlager faced a Democratic primary challenge from Dane County executive Kathleen Falk, a 2002 candidate for Governor and former Assistant Attorney General.
Peg Lautenschlager became the first incumbent Wisconsin Attorney General to lose a primary in 58 years.