From a former Assembly Speaker to an aid for Governor Doyle, many figures of state government ended up in courtrooms this year. Rather than make a deal, Former Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen chose to go to trial on charges he ran political campaigns on state time and with taxpayers' money. He lost the gamble, and was convicted in March of misconduct in public office and other offenses. Legislative aide Sherry Schultz was also found guilty of helping Jensen campaign on state time. Four other former legislators already made deals and were found guilty, bringing and end to the capital caucus corruption investigation. Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard feels the work is now completed on those matters, although he says officials will remain vigilant.
In another courtroom, State employee Georgia Thompson was found guilty on federal charges of rigging a state contract in favor of a Doyle supporter. The governor moved quickly to distance his administration in an election year, saying Thompson acted alone.
Jensen, Schultz, and Thompson are appealing their convictions.
