Online report: Democratic candidate for governor Mary Burke fired from Trek in 1990s

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A new report by an online news organization is attacking Mary Burke's work history. A prominent Republican says he worked at Trek Bicycle Corporation when Burke was there -- and claims the Democratic candidate for governor had no choice but to leave the company because she was fired.

In an article by the Wisconsin Reporter, former Trek employees say Burke did not leave the company of her own volition. They say she was fired by her family for financial losses and poor morale. The Wisconsin Reporter cites Gary Ellerman and three anonymous former employees in its report.

Ellerman is now the chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. FOX6 News left him a phone message which was not immediately returned.

FOX6 News also went to the Jefferson County Republican Party headquarters -- and was told that Ellerman is out of the country right now.

Mary Burke did address the allegations on Wednesday, October 29th -- calling them "ridiculous."

"This is the sort of nonsense, six days before an election, baseless allegations that are deterring from the issues, frankly that are really important here in terms of getting people out and making sure they understand the issues," said Burke.

FOX6 News reached out to Trek to clear the matter up. The company backed Burke's comments. A written response said the following:

The Republican Party of Wisconsin has issued this statement to FOX6 News:

Burke did return to Trek a couple of years after leaving Trek Europe. She says she served as the Director of Strategic Planning and Forecasting.