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Foti Expected To Change Plea In Corruption Scandal

Foti Was Once Second-Most Powerful Lawmaker In Assembly

Updated: 3:49 pm CST January 12, 2006

Former state Rep. Steve Foti is expected to change his not guilty plea to corruption charges.

Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard has sent an e-mail notification about a hearing on Friday for Foti to change his plea -- although it's not known what that plea will be.

Once the No. 2 lawmaker in the state Assembly, Foti pleaded not guilty to a felony count of misconduct in office as a result of a state Capitol corruption investigation. Lawmakers were accused of using state employees to run their political campaigns.

Foti's trial is scheduled to start next month.

He's one of five lawmakers charged in 2002. Three lawmakers have already pleaded guilty to charges.

Foti's attorney Franklyn Gimbel said that a sticking point in previous negotiations was Blanchard's desire to have Foti testify against Rep. Scott Jensen, also charged in the Capitol investigation.

Former state Sens. Brian Burke and Chuck Chvala also agreed to deals with prosecutors and both were sentenced to jail time.

Late last month, former Assistant Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Ladwig pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor ethics violation. Ladwig doesn't face jail time or probation, but will likely pay $4,500 in fines and restitution, WISC-TV reported.

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