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MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A former speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly, convicted of using state workers as campaign operatives on the taxpayer's dime and now facing up to 15 years in prison for it, announced Monday he would resign his office next week.

A jury convicted state Rep. Scott Jensen on Saturday of three felony misconduct counts and a misdemeanor for using state workers to run Assembly Republican campaigns on state time and with state resources.

Under state statutes, a convicted felon can't serve in the state Legislature. Jensen would officially lose his seat when he is sentenced, although that date hasn't been set yet.

Jensen, a Republican from Waukesha, said Monday he would step down March 21. He remains free on bond until sentencing.

"I have always believed that public service is a noble calling. Each day I served in the Assembly confirmed my belief. I am confident my constituents will send to the Assembly another representative who hears that call," Jensen said in a statement.

Jensen, 45, was once one of Wisconsin's most powerful lawmakers and had an eye on the governor's office. But in 2002, he was one of five lawmakers charged in a secret investigation into Capitol corruption. He stepped down from the speaker's post he had held since 1997 but continued to serve in the Assembly.

The investigation was sparked by reports in the Wisconsin State Journal newspaper alleging that state workers were campaigning on state time with state equipment. Jensen was the only one to stand trial; the others - two Republicans and two Democrats - reached plea deals.