Steven Leslie Kagen[1] (born December 12, 1949) is an American politician and physician who was the U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 8th congressional district from 2007 to 2011.

After graduating from Appleton East High School, Kagen attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned a degree in molecular biology, with honors.

"[5] On May 15, 2008, legislation sponsored by Kagen titled "To amend the Sherman Act to make oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal and for other purposes" (H.R.6074) was introduced before the House.

On May 19, 2008, the House overwhelmingly decided in a 324–84 vote to approve this legislation, which allows the Justice Department to sue any foreign state that limits the production/distribution of oil or engages in price fixing.

The seat had been left open by the four-term incumbent Republican, Mark Green, who unsuccessfully ran for Governor of Wisconsin.

On November 7, Kagen narrowly defeated Wisconsin Assembly Speaker John Gard of Peshtigo in the most expensive Congressional race in Wisconsin history,[citation needed] a race dominated by attack ads, mainly created by third-party 527 issue ad groups, outside the control of the candidate or parties.

Some of the issues where Kagen and Gard disagreed were President George W. Bush's direction in the Iraq War, stem-cell research, and tax policy.

According to notes taken during a series of union endorsement interviews in January 2012 that were obtained by a local news reporter, Kagen strongly considered a run for the Democratic nomination to face Gov.

After attending a campaign event on the Oneida reservation, and then in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on 20 October 2006, Kagen commented, in part: Appreciate getting here almost on time.

[15] Kagen came under fire for a rumored comment at a November 13, 2006, White House function, after Appleton-area newspapers picked up on a story printed in an alternative paper, The Scene.

It is reported that he then addressed First Lady Laura Bush as Barbara, saying "I learned on the campaign trail that the biggest insult you could do to another man is to call his wife by another name.

"[11] Kagen talked to constituents about the reported verbal insults he delivered to the President and Mrs. Bush six days after the November election.