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UPDATE: Volunteer for Lee Campaign Recants Attack Story

UPDATED Tuesday, October 30, 2012 --- 6:55 a.m.

Chad Lee's campaign issued the following statement late Monday night in regards to recent developments involving a volunteer who has since been dismissed from the campaign:

"Today, our campaign unfortunately learned that a deeply troubled volunteer misled police, news outlets, and our own team in regards to events that he alleged to have occured.

Our campaign dismissed Mr. Wood immediately and we will fully cooperate with the authorities as they continue with their investigation. As the Madison Police Department is investigating this matter, we cannot comment further at this time."

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UPDATED Monday, October 29, 2012 --- 10:11 p.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) --A volunteer for a Wisconsin congressional campaign has recanted allegations that he was attacked at his home last week for being a gay Republican.

The man was a volunteer for Chad Lee's campaign in the 2nd District. The Wisconsin State Journal (http://bit.ly/S8yuu2) reports the volunteer gave media interviews in which he said he was attacked for being a gay man who did not support Lee's opponent, Democrat Mark Pocan, who is gay.

Madison police say the case would be cleared as "unfounded" and sent to the Dane County District Attorney's Office after a follow-up investigation is completed.

Police did not name the man. But in a statement Monday, Lee's campaign said it immediately dismissed the volunteer and will cooperate with authorities.

Pocan's campaign had no immediate statement on the case.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.

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UPDATED Monday, October 29, 2012 --- 5:25 p.m.

As we reported last week, a supporter of congressional candidate Chad Lee claimed he was attacked in his Madison home.

But today, Madison police released the following information on this case:

In an interview this afternoon with Madison Police detectives, the victim in this case recanted his earlier statements in regards to this crime.

This crime, alleged to have occurred on High Street in the South Police District, will be cleared as "Unfounded" for case reporting purposes.

Once follow up investigation is completed, MPD's case file will be reviewed with Dane County District Attorney's Office.

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Previous story:
Posted Thursday October 25, 2012 --- 5:35 p.m.

A supporter of congressional candidate Chad Lee is allegedly attacked in his Madison home.

We want you to know that it is not clear if this attack was politically motivated.

Today the conservative website "The Daily Caller" ran a story about Kyle Wood a full time volunteer with Chad Lee's campaign.

Chad Lee is facing Mark Pocan in the race for Tammy Baldwin's empty congressional seat.

According to "The Daily Caller" Wood was attacked in his home early Wednesday morning.

During the attack the article claims that Wood's political preference and sexual orientation were referenced.

According to the Madison Police Department the attack took place on the 900 block of High Street.

The attacker got in through an unlocked door and nothing was taken.

Police say there is no reason for the public to worry because this was not a random crime.

Wood was treated and released from the hospital.

This afternoon NBC15 tracked down Wood. He did not wish to be interviewed right now. He said he would like to speak with a lawyer before he does any more press.

Chad Lee's campaign is not doing any interviews either about the attack but they did release a statement today.

It says, "As this matter is still under investigation by law enforcement, we cannot comment further other than that we condemn this vicious attack on a member of our team in the strongest terms, and we hope the perpetrator responsible for this attack will be brought to justice immediately. "

The Madison Police Department also declined to go on camera today.


Comments (5)

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  • by Name Location: Location on Oct 30, 2012 at 02:28 PM
    So i guess the person "hiding fact" was the supposed victim??? Lovely.
  • by J.B. Location: Bryson on Oct 30, 2012 at 07:16 AM
    Kevin--they're directly quoting the police department throughout this story. Are you saying "shame on the police?" Are the police "hiding the facts?"
  • by d Location: d on Oct 26, 2012 at 12:21 PM
    FAKE!
  • by Kevin on Oct 25, 2012 at 10:14 PM
    Why haven't you reported that he is an openly gay Republican worker?? Why are you hiding those facts? Why aren't you bringing up that this could very well be a hate crime?? If he was an Obama worker, I'm sure you wouldn't hesitate to call it a hate crime, but since he's an openly gay Republican worker, you say nothing about it could be a hate crime. Shame on you WMTV
  • by Van Location: Madison on Oct 25, 2012 at 08:03 PM
    Why is it that every time a conservative stubs their toe, the blame some liberal for attacking them. Can't the just man-up and move on with their wimpy little lives? God, the sound like Ann Romney.

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