It’s no shock, but former State Assembly Representative Steve Foti (R-Oconomowoc) scored a deal today when he agreed to testify against the former leader of the Assembly, State Representative Scott Jensen.

Unlike Jensen, Foti did not choose to run for re-election. Of all of the state officials who have been charged, only Jensen chose to run again for his seat. Despite his indictment, Waukesha voters overwhelmingly voted him back into office. By choosing to run again, Jensen sent a message that he was untouchable and it was clear that he did not believe he did anything wrong.

Wrongdoing is really not the issue. Apparently neither is remorse if the case of Senator Chuck Chvala is a true guide to how sentencing will go in Jensen’s case. Chvala was one of the leaders in reforming the ethics statutes but that was after he had already broken the law. When in court, Chvala showed remorse and apologized with sincere regret over the caucus pay for play scandals. A trained attorney, Chvala was stripped of his law license (his means of supporting his family) and the Judge gave him 9 months — 3 months more than the District Attorney requested.

No wonder Foti and Jensen wanted a change of venue — Dane county judges must just be tough as nails and a little over-reaching to boot.

Two Senators and one Assembly Rep have already fallen. It’s now just a matter of time — hard time that Jensen deserves to serve. If there is any justice in the world, Jensen will be handed a stiffer sentence than Senator Chvala. After all, while Chvala showed regret, Jensen has shown arrogance.

Related Story: Watchdog Milwaukee: Scott Jensen & Steve Foti: Late for a Date with a Jail Cell