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Juror Dispute Arises In Jensen Trial

Trial Opens Tuesday

Updated: 2:42 pm CST February 21, 2006

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.

videoPolitical Analysts Discuss Jensen Trial

Defense 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.

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