15 Facts About Charles Chvala

Charles Joseph "Chuck" Chvala was born on December 5,1954 and is an American real estate dealer, lawyer, and former politician.

Charles Chvala served 20 years in the Wisconsin State Senate, representing Dane County, and was the Democratic caucus leader from 1995 through 2002.

Charles Chvala's parents' involvement with the teachers' union was a springboard for his entrance into politics.

Charles Chvala made his first run for Wisconsin State Assembly in 1978, relying on union support in the Democratic primary.

Charles Chvala ultimately fell 174 votes short of David Travis, another first time candidate who would go on to become a Democratic caucus leader in the 1990s.

Between 1978 and 1982, Charles Chvala worked as a lawyer and legislative consultant in Madison.

Charles Chvala's clients included the Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Association and the Citizens Utility Board.

Charles Chvala served the boards of the non-profit organizations Vets House and The Attic.

Charles Chvala chose to run for Wisconsin State Senate in 1984, in the redrawn 16th Senate district, which now stretched from Madison's east side through eastern Dane County, western Rock County, and across Green County.

Charles Chvala was re-elected four times, serving until 2005.

In 1994, Charles Chvala sought to challenge incumbent Republican Governor Tommy Thompson.

Charles Chvala was charged with 20 felony counts, including extortion, misconduct in public office, and filing false election reports.

Charles Chvala pleaded guilty to two counts, and was sentenced to nine months in jail with two years of probation.

Charles Chvala serves as a regular contributor to The Insiders, a political commentary series in Wisconsin.

Charles Chvala subsequently married Barbara Worcester, a Senate legislative staffer, in 1991.