Steineke: ‘I Don’t Particularly Care What People Think’

MADISON, Wis. — State Rep. Jim Steineke (R-Vandenbroek), who has a long history of driving infractions including drunk driving, hit and run and driving without a license multiple times, when recently asked by a reporter if it was appropriate for him to head Assembly Republicans’ efforts to repeal car insurance requirement responded, “I don’t particularly care what people think.” Following the November election, Steineke also pled “no contest” to driving without proof of auto insurance.

“Rep. Jim Steineke may not particularly care what people think, but he owes the people an answer as to how it’s appropriate given his decades-long record of driving violations that he lead these efforts,” said Scot Ross, One Wisconsin Now Executive Director. “For one thing, people deserve an answer to why his first bill doesn’t create any jobs and seems little more than a handout to the insurance industry.”

The story in which Steineke made his controversial comments is available at, http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/113857704.html. Excerpts include:

State Rep. Jim Steineke may not be the best person to serve as a lead sponsor for legislation aimed at repealing most of the auto insurance coverage increases mandated by former Gov. Jim Doyle. In October, Steineke was cited for operating a motor vehicle without proof of insurance. The first-term lawmaker pleaded no contest and paid a small fine. …

Despite this, Steineke said he didn’t think twice about sponsoring the bill to roll back insurance requirements. Drivers would still need insurance under the bill, but it would lower the required levels of liability, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage.

“I don’t particularly care what people think,” he said.

“Jim Steineke promised his district that job creation and balancing the state’s $3.3 billion budget deficit would be his top priorities,” said Ross. “On both, Steineke is already breaking his promise he made to the people.”

A detailed compilation of police and court documents regarding Steineke’s checkered driving record is available at One Wisconsin Now’s website www.MeetTheMajority.com.