Chvala's statement
11:10 AM 10/17/02

Statement from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Chvala, D-Madison:

"As Senate Majority Leader I'm proud that the State Senate has led the fight to pass legislation that benefits the people of Wisconsin. We have won great victories for the people of this state by standing strong against powerful special interests.

"It was our efforts in the Senate that led to passage of SeniorCare, one of the best prescription drug benefits for seniors in the nation, a real HMO reform bill, environmental protections like wetlands regulation and the mining moratorium, and smaller class sizes for children in grades K-3 in public schools throughout the state to name just a few victories.

"Unfortunately, politically motivated special interest lobbyists and a District Attorney bent on political revenge have sought to tarnish this record and influence the fall elections.

"There is no question that this action today, just weeks before the fall elections, in an investigation that has dragged on for almost a year and a half is designed to have a political impact.

"I will fight these allegations because they are not true. But I have decided that, in the interest of the Senate, I will resign as Majority Leader as soon as a new leader is selected."