MADISON, Wis. -- A former aide to state Rep. Scott Jensen testified on Thursday that his boss often didn't know what his state-paid staff was doing politically.

Jensen, R-Waukesha, is on trial in Dane County for misconduct in office. Prosecutors contend that Jensen directed staff to do campaign work on the taxpayer's dime, which isn't allowed by law.

Chad Taylor testified that he took partial leave from state employment to work on an Assembly campaign and never felt that he was doing political work on state time.

Taylor is a defense witness, but was allowed to testify even though the prosecution isn't done with its case. This was done because Taylor won't be available next week when the defense will present its testimony.

Taylor testified that he helped stuff envelopes with campaign materials in Jensen's Capitol office on a lunch hour. Taylor also testified that he noticed another Jensen staffer photocopying campaign checks in his Capitol office and told her to stop because reporters often visited and it looked bad.

Prosecutors must wrap up their case by Friday. The trial is expected to last another two weeks, and Jensen is expected to take the stand in his own defense, WISC-TV reported.

Jensen is the last of five lawmakers who were charged in 2002 after media reports detailed similar allegations.

The other four legislators -- ex-Democratic Sens. Brian Burke and Chuck Chvala and former Republican Reps. Steve Foti and Bonnie Ladwig -- have made plea 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.

Jensen stepped down as Assembly speaker after he was charged with three felonies and one misdemeanor.

NOTE: WISC-TV's Colin Benedict provides behind-the-scenes coverage of the Jensen trial in his new blog.