Wis. assembly speaker draws ire, some support, after disclosing relationship with lobbyist

Wis. speaker draws ire for dating lobbyist

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin residents angry about their Democratic Assembly Speaker’s relationship with a lobbyist have sent him insulting e-mails, including some calling for his expulsion from his leadership position.

Assembly Democrats have stood by Mike Sheridan since he admitted dating a lobbyist for the payday loan industry in a Jan. 30 Janesville Gazette story.

Sheridan has said he’s done nothing inappropriate even though legislation to strengthen state regulation of the industry is being considered by the Assembly.

But his assurances aren’t enough for some members of the public. At least one e-mail sent to him this week says he’s not taking the issue seriously enough.

Messages released Friday to The Associated Press show there also were a handful of encouraging notes.