U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Gary, speaking during the Valparaiso Veterans Day ceremony in 2019, ended his 36-year career in Congress. (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune)
As the man elected to represent Northwest Indiana in the House of Representatives, Pete Visclosky emulated the people of the First Congressional District: Work hard, do your job, don’t seek credit.
Observers say the Gary native, who did not run for reelection in November, was humble; calm and collected under pressure with a constant focus on addressing the needs of his constituents.
Visclosky was well respected in his positions and he was constantly reading briefs and other materials to learn as much as possible about any given subject. One person called him “a good example of what it is to be a lifelong learner.”
Those who worked with him closely over the years call him “Pete,” and expressed their appreciation for his work — particularly being able to work with Democrats and Republicans alike — over more than three decades.
“He was always about getting something done, understanding that we had to bring all sides together. He wasn’t a person of gridlock. He wanted to keep moving forward,” said Jerome Davison, the rapid response coordinator for the United Steelworkers District 7.
As of Jan. 3, Visclosky, D-Gary, ended his 36-year career in Congress. First elected in 1984, he announced in November 2019 that he wouldn’t seek reelection. North Township Trustee Frank Mrvan, a Highland Democrat, defeated Republican challenger Mark Leyva in the November General Election to continue Dem control of the seat.
In keeping with his approach as congressman, Visclosky, 71, declined to be interviewed for this story. For those who know him or have followed him, this wasn’t a surprise.
“He didn’t try to get on the news stations, or all that stuff. He was never that person,” Davison said. “He didn’t look for the limelight.”
Over the years, Visclosky served on the Committee on Appropriations, and various subcommittees, including defense, energy and water development and financial services and general government.
Visclosky voted on a number of major issues, like voting in favor of the Iran nuclear deal in 2015 to reimposing federal net neutrality rules. His arguably most historic vote was in favor of impeaching President Donald Trump for abuse of power on Dec. 17, 2019.
Closer to home, Visclosky focused on the steel industry, revitalizing the Lake Michigan shoreline and investing in local transportation infrastructure. Visclosky always considered the needs of his constituents with each vote, said Lake County Democratic Party Chairman James Wieser.
“His district changed over the years, but whoever comprised his district he was 100% in for those folks, and that was basis of how he governed,” Wieser said.
Visclosky worked with the United Steelworkers on trade issues “and the advancement of making sure that the American steel industry could survive,” and supported unionizing and collective bargaining in the industry, Davison said.
As a member of the Committee on Appropriations, Visclosky fought to ensure that “American-made” steel was being used for projects across the country, and that it was “melted and poured” in the country, Davison said.
As someone who grew up in Gary, Visclosky understood the importance of supporting the steel industry, Davison said.
“He was able to use his position there to influence others to take a second look and use American-made products and steel from Northwest Indiana,” Davison said.
Visclosky and his staff frequently came to the union for guidance or questions on a piece of legislation, and the union was also able to reach Visclosky if needed, Davison said. They would either talk over the phone or meet over a cup of coffee, he said.
Around 2000, Davison said he worked with Visclosky on a “Stand Up for Steel” bill. At that time, the steel industry was “just getting dumped on with foreign nations with steel.” Visclosky spearheaded the bill, and Davison helped with lobbying members of Congress for their support.
“Watching him shepherd that and keep a level head and cool and calm demeanor during these times when people in this area were being laid off, plants were being shut down, and the pressure upon him to try to deliver the best he could against a Congress that was all about free trade ... I think we’ve seen he’s been right,” Davison said.
While supporting the steel industry, Davison said Visclosky also focused on the lakefront and establishing national parks in the area. Establishing a national park brings in federal funding, which has greatly benefited the area, said Bill Hanna, the longtime president of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority Bill Hanna who resigned Tuesday.
Hanna worked with Visclosky on shoreline remediation projects over the years, like Whiting Lakefront Park, Wolf Lake Park, Marquette Park rehabilitation and the gateway to the Indiana Dunes National Park, he said.
Most recently, Hanna said he worked with Visclosky on the West Lake Corridor expansion and double tracking of the South Shore rail line. Hanna said Visclosky was “a tireless advocate” for those projects.
“We’ve talked a lot about how it really changes the future for people in terms of accessing better jobs and educational opportunities that exist in Chicago and just other quality of life features that really pulls us into that third largest economy. People will bring their wages back to Northwest Indiana and that will help build us up,” Hanna said.
While focusing on the region, Visclosky also had a “critical and large national role” in developing the national defense budget, Hanna said.
Visclosky, who was “self-effacing with his humor” and had a strong work ethic, left a legacy of balancing industry and preserving national parks, Hanna said.
As the steel industry shifted over the years to a more efficient procedures “it occupies a smaller footprint,” so Visclosky began “capturing what has been left as a result of the shrinking footprint” to create green space, Hanna said.
Another “refreshing” quality that Visclosky had was not seeking media attention constantly, Hanna said.
“Here’s a guy who has risen up the ranks to one of the most prominent positions in the United States Congress who does not use that to promote himself. I think that has become more rare over time, but it does reflect ... a serious person representing us who is rolling his sleeves up and actually doing the work,” Hanna said.
Wieser said he and Visclosky came into the Democratic Party at the same time in the mid 1970s, when they were both young lawyers. The two men, along with one of Visclosky’s predecessors, U.S. Rep. Adam Benjamin, who died in office in 1982, would meet for lunch and would talk about where their respective communities were headed, he said.
Since those lunches, Wieser said he’s watched Visclosky evolve and develop as a person and as a congressman. Visclosky showed leadership by being humble and listening to his constituents, he said.
“It’s one of the highest honors and privileges of my life, certainly my governmental and political life, to have known him that long, to have been able to work with him that long, and to be able to call him not just my congressman but my friend,” Wieser said.
While the union was “saddened” when Visclosky announced he wouldn’t seek reelection, the members are delighted for him, Davison said.
“He has given his life to this congressional district,” Davison said. “We’re gonna miss him, but that’s not the last time we see Congressman Visclosky. I’m sure we’ll get a phone call from him some day soon here just to have a conversation and a cup of coffee.”
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