Gov: Arrested legislator has big decision
MADISON — If allegations that state Rep. Jeff Wood was driving while intoxicated are true, he put people in danger and needs to think about his future, Gov. Jim Doyle said Friday.
Wood, an independent from Bloomer, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, his second such arrest in less than a year.
Wood has a big decision to make, the Democratic governor said at a news conference. If Wood won’t make it, his constituents will, Doyle said. He did not elaborate, but his remarks suggested that Wood needs to decide whether to resign or let his constituents determine his political fate in the next election.
"Obviously, this is a really, really troubling situation," Doyle said. "There’s a personal side of it for Rep. Wood that he really has to deal with, but we also have to recognize that as alleged this kind of driving puts the public at very grave risk."
Also Friday, a Republican lawmaker called on Wood to resign and promised to draft a resolution to kick him out of the Assembly.
"It is clear by your recent conduct that profound personal issues impede your ability to serve in the Assembly without bringing great disrepute on the institution and the people of this state," Rep. Stephen Nass, R-Whitewater, said in a letter to Wood.
No one returned a message left at Wood’s Capitol office Friday afternoon. His attorney, Tracey Wood, declined to comment.
Sep 27, 2009 at 1:39 a.m.
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Please note the sarcasm jvldss..
Sep 27, 2009 at 1:38 a.m.
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jvldss- Ok, that's a great argument. I do not condone his first drunk driving, but being charged with a second offense drunk driving for a prescription anti-anxiety drug and cough syrup is a little excessive in my opinion. So if I take cough syrup, I shouldn't drive? It was a prescription drug that they recommend you do not drive until you know how you react to it, but really there is not any law against driving while on that or cough syrup. All of you up in arms about this situtation, do you even know anything about the medication??? He obviousely is on the medictaion for a reason. I don't doubt he was VERY nervous getting pulled over even though he did not have ANY alcohol in his system whatsoever. He may have had an anxiety attack while doing his field sobriety test.
He who casts stones should be without sin...
Sep 26, 2009 at 9:16 p.m.
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The fact that Wood was still in office after his first offense troubles me.
Sep 26, 2009 at 6:10 p.m.
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nurse4u - move to Bloomer and let this imbecile represent you if you support his actions.
Sep 26, 2009 at 10 a.m.
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Hopefully Jeff Woods will do one responsible thing and resign. The legislature has many other issues to worry about, and this distraction should be contended with by its creator. The sad thing is, Jeff Wood was allowed to be the tiebreaker in Wisconsin's crucial 2009-2010 budget. He should have resigned after his 3rd OWI arrest. I have not referred to him as a Representative for a reason. He is not representative of Wisconsin, and though not my elected official, his decisions impact ALL Wisconsin residents. As humans we make mistakes. Jeff Wood is as human as it gets. He needs to concentrate on his legal and personal issues much more than the state needs him traveling between his district and Madison, while impaired. If Jeff Wood does not do the right thing within a week, I am going to ask my legislators, Sen. Robson, and Rep. Hixson to do it for him on behalf of the people.
Sep 26, 2009 at 7:43 a.m.
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This is his fourth (4th) offense. It doesn't matter if it is prescription drugs, alcohol, or sheer stupidity, the guy shouldn't be on the road and the State of Wisconsin shouldn't be paying his salary.
Sep 26, 2009 at 5 a.m.
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How is this man arrested for drunk driving? His breathalyzer showed he was not drinking at all..He had cough syrup and prescription Lorazapam in his system. I hardly think this should count as drunk driving. Ridiculous!
Sep 25, 2009 at 10:43 p.m.
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I thought his big decision was whether or not to switch to the Democratic Party, also known as "Taking a Kennedy" or "Leaning like Lautenschlager".
Sep 25, 2009 at 9:42 p.m.
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How is any of this even an option ? This shoudl be a given .... Good bye Mr. Woods and best of luck to you and your recovery . Done , end of story ! Hello ??????????? Anyone listening ?
Sep 25, 2009 at 9:20 p.m.
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letting him wait until election? If I were in his district, I would advocate for more than his resignation... how about a good jail sentence on OWI and all else that "commoners" have to contend with in this situation?
Sep 25, 2009 at 5:43 p.m.
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Do as I say, not what I do.......
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