The Milwaukee Democrat was once one of the most powerful lawmakers in Wisconsin as co-chairman of the Legislature's budget committee.

As part of the deal, the state is recommending a jail term of up to six months, probation of up to two years and a $2,500 fine.

Prosecutors originally charged Burke in June 2002 with 18 felonies accusing him of doctoring his appointment calendar, destroying records, falsely claiming legislative reimbursements for travel to Madison and using his Capitol office staff to run his 2002 campaign.