Former state Sen. Brian Burke, D-Milwaukee, was sentenced to six months in jail Wednesday for unorthodox campaign practices involving his run for attorney general in 2002.
Burke pled guilty to misconduct in office and withholding subpoenaed documents in October. Dane County Circuit Judge Bill Foust said Burke betrayed the public's trust and stole money from Wisconsin taxpayers when handing down the sentence.
Before the sentencing, Burke showed remorse for his crimes saying he was sorry for his actions and that he failed his constituency.
The judge also ruled that Burke must pay the state over $75,000 but that Burke could use his campaign fund to pay the fine. Some state anti-corruption groups criticized the decision charging that Burke would be paying the fine using money he obtained illegally.
The judge denied Burke's request to serve community service or to be sentenced to home confinement.
