Posted on 08/05/2004 10:15:04 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
MILWAUKEE (AP) - A federal judge sentenced a former Wisconsin state senator to four years in prison Thursday for a kickback scheme prosecutors said involved hundreds of thousands of dollars and for using his legislative staff to run personal errands.
Gary George, once known as the "Teflon" senator because scandals seemed to slide off him, apologized for the errand-running but denied the other allegations involving state welfare money - even though he pleaded guilty to them.
U.S. District Judge Rudolph Randa said George betrayed the public's trust. "A politician has to keep in mind he is, above all else, a servant," he said.
George, a Milwaukee Democrat, must report to prison by Sept. 16.
Randa also ordered George to complete three years of supervised release, during which he can hold no position with financial responsibility, and pay restitution to the state. Randa will decide the amount later. U.S. Attorney Steven Biskupic said it could range from $270,000 to $900,000.
George's attorney, Alex Flynn, said he plans to appeal on the grounds federal sentencing guidelines are unconstitutional. The Supreme Court is expected to decide the issue later this year.
But Randa said he didn't apply the guidelines in George's case.
George tried to run for governor in 2002 but the bid derailed after an investigation found his campaign had too many fraudulent signatures.
He deflected a recall try in 1986, but was finally ousted from office in a recall election last fall, shortly before he was indicted.
Hmmm....where have I heard something similar?
*sigh* I remember when we were "America's Dairyland."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.