Top Wisconsin lawmakers implicated in the John Doe caucus scandal made their initial court appearances Thursday.
State Sen. Chuck Chvala, D-Madison, and state Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen, R-Waukesha, entered no pleas regarding the felony charges they face in connection with illegal \pay to play"" activities. Chvala and Jensen appeared with state Reps. Steve Foti, R- Oconomowoc, and former Assembly staffer Sherry Schultz before Dane County Court Commissioner Todd Meurer.
Meurer entered pleas of not guilty for Jensen and Ladwig when they did not respond to the misdemeanor charges. All of the defendants were released on $1,000 bond.
""I am confident that once you hear our side of the story, it will be clear that I am innocent. In the meantime, I humbly ask my constituents to allow me to continue to serve them while I prove my innocence,"" Jensen said.
Jensen needs to defeat three opponents, Libertarian Robert G. Collison, Independent Dottie A. Feder and write-in Republican candidate David G. Mokros, to retain his Assembly seat after Nov. 5.
