MADISON - Former U.S. Rep. Bob Kastenmeier, an early and staunch opponent of the Vietnam War who served 32 years in Congress, died Friday, March 20th at his home in Arlington, Virginia. The Madison Democrat was 91.

His wife, Dorothy, says his heart had been failing.

Kastenmeier, who represented the Madison area, served in the U.S. House from 1959 to 1991. He was an early critic of the Vietnam War. He brought his House subcommittee to Madison to hold hearings on how the war was affecting his constituents.

In a statement issued last Friday, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said of Kastenmeier:

"Bob Kastenmeier was an unwavering advocate for civil rights, justice, the search for knowledge, and public service -- he was the very embodiment of the Wisconsin Idea. Kastenmeier was a true progressive hero who paved the way for Senator Tammy Baldwin and Representative Mark Pocan, who continue to represent Wisconsin in a way that honors Kastenmeier's legacy."