Former lawmaker sues over legislative job

By: Associated Press//April 21, 2011//

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A former state lawmaker has filed a lawsuit claiming she wasn’t hired for a legislative job because she’s a Republican.

Sheryl Albers says Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan decided to hire a younger man for a non-partisan job as clerk of the Joint Finance Committee in 2009. The 55-year-old Albers filed an age discrimination complaint with the state’s Equal Rights Division last year. Her attorney, Jeff Olson, said it was during the investigation into the complaint that they learned it was politics, not age, that cost Albers the job. Olson said Albers was exercising her constitutional rights by being an active Republican.

The state Department of Justice is defending Pocan. Spokesman Bill Cosh declined comment. The State Journal said Albers is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Information from: Wisconsin State Journal, http://www.madison.com/wsj

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