In light of charges, two top Republicans say they will quit
10:30 AM 10/18/02
Tom Sheehan State government reporter

Two of three top Assembly Republicans, including Speaker Scott Jensen, say they will quit their leadership posts as a result of criminal charges filed Friday.

Contenders for Jensen's job include Joint Finance co-chairman John Gard of Peshtigo, Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Steve Freese of Dodgeville, and Rep. Scott Gunderson of the town of Norway in Racine County. All three Republicans said Friday they want the Assembly's top post.

Jensen will apparently remain speaker, however, until the Assembly meets again to elect his successor. The scenario also assumes Republicans will retain a majority. Unlike the jobs of other leaders charged Friday, Jensen's post is subject to approval by the full Assembly.

Assistant Majority Leader Bonnie Ladwig, R-Mount Pleasant, who faces a misdemeanor charge, said Friday she also will quit her leadership post. Majority Leader Steve Foti, R-Oconomowoc, however, said Friday he has "no intention of stepping down."

Foti and Ladwig were elected by a majority of Assembly Republicans but their positions don't require approval by the full Assembly. They could be replaced as soon as Nov. 12, the next time Republicans are scheduled to meet in caucus.

Jensen's successor also is likely to be determined at that meeting, but must be "rubber stamped" by the Legislature, assuming Republicans retain control of the Assembly, said Jensen spokesman Steve Baas. Baas left open the possibility that Jensen could try to regain the post if acquitted, however.

Freese said Friday the loss of Jensen, Ladwig, and possibly Foti, will be difficult to make up.

"You're taking an unbelievable amount of experience out of the Assembly, and all of a sudden we'd have three new leaders," Freese said.

Rep. Mark Gundrum, New Berlin, also is interested in a leadership post, Freese said. Jensen should quit as speaker immediately and let Freese take over the duties temporarily, as outlined by state law, said Rep. DuWayne Johnsrud, R-Eastman. "We need to see our way clear of this and vote for new leadership," Johnsrud said.