Staff Reports
The conservative reporter is saddened to report the passing of Herb Kohl, a former Democratic U.S. senator from Wisconsin and the former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team. He died at the age of 88 after a brief illness, as announced by Herb Kohl Philanthropies. While the exact cause of his death was not given, his foundation stated that he passed away surrounded by the love of Milwaukee and Wisconsin, the places he held dear to his heart. Kohl’s impact on countless lives was immeasurable, and his supporters regarded him as one of the most upright individuals to have graced the earth.
JUST IN: Herb Kohl, ex-U.S. senator from Wisconsin and former owner of NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, dies at 88 https://t.co/8jZHkkmel2
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 27, 2023
A prominent figure in Wisconsin, Herb Kohl acquired the Milwaukee Bucks to prevent them from relocating and generously contributed to charitable and educational endeavors throughout the state. Furthermore, he utilized his personal resources to finance his Senate campaigns, presenting himself as a senator who prioritized the interests of the people of Wisconsin.
In the Senate, Kohl was an unconventional presence – not one to seek recognition, but effective in championing issues pertinent to his state, particularly dairy policy. As one of the wealthiest members of the Senate, he held the distinction of being the sole professional sports team owner in the Senate.
Born in Milwaukee, Kohl nurtured a lasting friendship with Bud Selig, the former commissioner of Major League Baseball, from childhood. They remained close friends as adults after rooming together at the University of Wisconsin. Following his graduation from the University of Wisconsin, Kohl pursued a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University and served in the Army Reserve. His involvement in the family business, Kohl’s grocery and department stores, was instrumental in its growth, and he assumed the role of company president in the 1970s before the corporation was sold in 1979.
Kohl ventured into Wisconsin politics in the 1970s, serving as the chairman of the state Democratic Party from 1975 to 1977. His acquisition of the Bucks in 1985 for $18 million was met with great enthusiasm, and he delightedly expressed his commitment to retaining the team in Milwaukee, a feat that he considered to be a unique and fortunate experience. Under his ownership, the Bucks achieved several winning seasons before eventually experiencing a resurgence in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
Notably, Kohl’s substantial contribution of $100 million ensured the construction of the Fiserv Forum, the new Bucks arena, with an additional $250 million coming from taxpayers. The completion of the arena in 2018 was a testament to his determination to sustain professional basketball in Wisconsin. Furthermore, his philanthropic gestures extended to a $25 million donation to the University of Wisconsin for the construction of the Kohl Center, solidifying the university’s athletic standing in the Big Ten and the nation.
In 1988, Herb Kohl transitioned to national politics by running for the Senate, and his victories in subsequent elections underscored the impact of his personal wealth, which dissuaded the Republican Party from mounting a significant challenge. Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Kohl prioritized the interests of his state, notably spearheading initiatives in dairy policy and farm legislation. His non-confrontational approach in an increasingly polarized Congress differentiated him as a rare figure, advocating for bipartisanship and eschewing self-promotion.
Notwithstanding his Democratic affiliation, Kohl’s voting record reflected a moderate temperament, as evident in his support for certain initiatives of President George W. Bush and his opposition to others. His willingness to act in the best interests of Wisconsin and the nation, rather than toeing a strict party line, exemplified his commitment to principled governance.
Following his retirement from the Senate, Herb Kohl’s legacy endures, leaving an indelible mark on Wisconsin’s political and sporting landscape. His single status allowed him the flexibility to balance his responsibilities as a senator and sports team owner, exemplified by the sign on his office desk: “The Bucks Stop Here.”
