Community Corner
How Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch Juggles Career with Motherhood
For Republican lieutenant governor, the biggest battle isn't in the state Capitol - it's dealing with the every day challenges that come with being a parent.
About this sponsorship: In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic ascent of Mount Everest, Patch and Grape-Nuts are teaming up to highlight those who inspire people around them to climb their own mountains. Rebecca Kleefisch is the highest ranking woman in Wisconsin politics today, having been elected twice to the office of lieutenant governor. She is Gov. Scott Walker's point person business creation in the state and is a sought after speaker on conservative values. She has also battled colon cancer during her first run for office and is an advocate for early screenings, like the one that made her fight against the disease easier to overcome. But it is not the political campaign or the fight over cancer that Kleefisch sees as her greatest challenge. Instead, it is something that more than 50 percent of us can relate to – motherhood.
Evaluating Priorities is the Key
Kleefisch has two daughters ages 7 and 10, and she said the responsibility to care and nurture another human being is something you absolutely cannot fail at. But how does she handle the challenge of being a politician, wife and mother all at the same time? “I believe you can have it all, just not all at once,” she said. “You have to evaluate your priority list. It also helps to have a patient husband and helpful grandmas.” Kleefisch and her husband, Joel, (who serves as a state representative from the Oconomowoc area) just make it work. “He is an incredibly active dad who gets to spend time with our daughters due to my job,” Kleefisch said. “But then that's a good thing for both them and him.” Kleefisch believes she is being a good role model for her daughters, starting with her decision to run for lieutenant governor. “I ran to protect all children, including my own,” she said. “I want to show them and all children how to live a life of values, morals and diplomacy. “Joel and I have laid a foundation of faith, modesty and good choices that our daughters are now living.”Listening to Grandpa's Words of Wisdom
Kleefisch isn't sure if there is a measuring stick by which you can determine if she has been or will be successful in her challenge of motherhood. She said that outcome is for someone else to judge. But she did share some advice her grandfather gave her about changing the world. “He said, 'You can change the world by making a scientific discovery, or by creating a great work of art, or by spending time or money on raising up humanity,'” she said. “'But the most important way to change the world is to raise children that make the world better than before.' I just hope I am doing that.” Related Video: Rebecca Kleefisch's message for moms Video: Rebecca Kleefisch defends stay-at-home moms Video: Rebecca Kleefisch speech at state GOP conventionWe’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here
