Jensen: Democrats Had Aides Campaign On State Time
Jensen's Trial Scheduled For Late February
Updated: 11:28 am CST February 1,2006
MADISON, Wis. -- A court motion filed by the lawyer of state Rep. Scott Jensen said that aides campaigned on state time for Assembly Democrats before elections in 1998 and 2000.Jensen, R- Waukesha, is currently awaiting trial on charges stemming from an investigation into campaign work by state-paid workers at the state Capitol.According to Jensen's motion, aides to Assembly Democrats told investigators and Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard that they did extensive campaigning and fundraising that left no time to work on public policy issues.Jensen's lawyer Stephen Meyer said that it all shows there was selective prosecution when Jensen was charged. He said that he wants a hearing on the new information.Jensen is scheduled for trial on Feb. 21 on three felony counts of misconduct in office and a misdemeanor count of intentional misuse of a public position for private gain.Jensen is one of several lawmakers and other legislative officials who faced charges after a corruption investigation began at the state Capitol several years ago.Former state Rep. Steve Foti, once the second-ranking lawmaker in the Assembly, struck a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to corruption charges last month. As part of the agreement, Foti agreed to testify against Jensen.Three other former lawmakers -- two Democrats and one Republican -- reached plea deals earlier. Former state Sens. Brian Burke and Chuck Chvala were sentenced to jail time, and former Assistant Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Ladwig is expected to pay $4,500 in fines and restitution, WISC-TV reported.Former Foti aide Sherry Schultz will be tried in February.
Previous Stories:
- January 4, 2006: Judge Declines To Move Jensen's Trial
- December 16, 2005: Chvala Sentenced To Jail, Probation
- December 8, 2005: Chvala Asks For No Jail Time
- December 6, 2005: Prosecutors Ask For Jail Time For Chvala
- October 26, 2005: Chvala Pleads Guilty To Two Felony Counts
- October 25, 2005: Former Senator Pleads Guilty
- October 24, 2005: Former State Senator To Enter Plea
- July 13, 2004: Under The Dome: Alleged Internet Smear Campaign
Copyright 2006 by Channel 3000. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.









