Juror Dispute Arises In Jensen Trial
Trial Opens Tuesday
Updated: 2:42 pm CST February 21,2006
MADISON, Wis. -- The attorney for state Rep. Scott Jensen, R-Waukesha, asked a Dane County judge on Tuesday to disqualify 28 possible jurors because they expressed a distrust for Republican elected officials or politicians in general.
Political Analysts Discuss Jensen TrialDefense attorney Stephen Meyer argued that when responding to a questionnaire, the 28 indicated that they had "complete contempt" for Republican elected officials and think "politicians are liars."Judge Steven Ebert refused to disqualify the 28, saying that he wanted to personally ask them questions about possible bias.More than 125 potential jurors are being questioned for Jensen's trial on three felonies and one misdemeanor. He's accused of hiring caucus workers and ordering them to campaign on state time.Former Assembly Republican aide Sherry Schultz is also on trial. She's accused of raising money for GOP candidates while on the Assembly payroll.Jensen is the last of five lawmakers charged in 2002 after media reports detailed allegations that legislators were using their taxpayer-funded staffs to run campaigns and collect political contributions.The other four -- ex-Democratic state Sens. Brian Burke and Chuck Chvala and former Republican Reps. Foti and Ladwig -- have struck deals with prosecutors to avoid trials.Foti, once the second-ranking lawmaker in the Assembly, made an agreement and pleaded guilty to corruption charges last month. As part of the agreement, Foti agreed to testify against Jensen.Burke and Chvala were sentenced to jail time. Former Assistant Assembly Majority Leader Ladwig is expected to pay $4,500 in fines and restitution, WISC-TV reported.
Political Analysts Discuss Jensen TrialDefense attorney Stephen Meyer argued that when responding to a questionnaire, the 28 indicated that they had "complete contempt" for Republican elected officials and think "politicians are liars."Judge Steven Ebert refused to disqualify the 28, saying that he wanted to personally ask them questions about possible bias.More than 125 potential jurors are being questioned for Jensen's trial on three felonies and one misdemeanor. He's accused of hiring caucus workers and ordering them to campaign on state time.Former Assembly Republican aide Sherry Schultz is also on trial. She's accused of raising money for GOP candidates while on the Assembly payroll.Jensen is the last of five lawmakers charged in 2002 after media reports detailed allegations that legislators were using their taxpayer-funded staffs to run campaigns and collect political contributions.The other four -- ex-Democratic state Sens. Brian Burke and Chuck Chvala and former Republican Reps. Foti and Ladwig -- have struck deals with prosecutors to avoid trials.Foti, once the second-ranking lawmaker in the Assembly, made an agreement and pleaded guilty to corruption charges last month. As part of the agreement, Foti agreed to testify against Jensen.Burke and Chvala were sentenced to jail time. Former Assistant Assembly Majority Leader Ladwig is expected to pay $4,500 in fines and restitution, WISC-TV reported. Previous Stories:
- February 20, 2006: Jensen Trial To Begin Tuesday
- February 3, 2006: Judge Refuses To Toss Charges Against Jensen, Aide
- February 3, 2006: Jensen Makes Court Appearance On Friday
- February 1, 2006: Jensen: Democrats Had Aides Campaign On State Time
- 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.
