Those questions are all the more serious because of a failure on the part of Plale to act in a minimally responsible or transparent manner.

“Yes, just to be clear …” notes Journal Sentinel columnist Dan Bice, “Plale was actively seeking employment from Walker when he voted against the union contracts -- something Walker wanted him to do -- in last month’s lame-duck (legislative session). He did not disclose this at the time.”

Plale should have made that disclosure. And he should have recused himself from the vote on the contract -- and on any other vote that might have been of interest to the administration with which he was seeking employment.

Plale’s failure to take these basic steps may be a matter for further investigation by prosecutors and ethics watchdogs. But he has an immediate responsibility to the voters of the state to acknowledge that his misconduct disqualifies him from serving in the Walker administration.

If the former senator does not make that acknowledgment and step down, then Walker will need to remove Plale.

Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less.