During his term as chair, he saw the Democrats gain full control of Wisconsin's executive and legislative branches for the first time since 1986.

Before becoming party chair, he served ten years in the Wisconsin State Assembly and six years in the Wisconsin State Senate, representing suburban areas of Dane, Green, and Rock counties.

He served the limit of two terms, and was succeeded by Mike Tate, who was elected in June 2009.

The Council was created in 1990 as a joint effort between building trades unions and contractors to promote a better construction industry.

[3] Wineke currently serves as the Administrator of the State of Wisconsin Division of Compensation and Labor Relations.