POSTED: Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 1:00 am

BY: dmc-admin

Madison (AP) — A plan to expel a Wisconsin assemblyman charged three times with driving under the influence appeared to have failed Tuesday after a key lawmaker said supporters failed to make their case.

Rep. Mary Hubler, chair of a special committee formed to consider a resolution to expel Rep. Jeff Wood, said she opposed his expulsion and doubted the plan would have the 66 votes needed to clear the Assembly.

Hubler, D-Rice Lake, noted that Wood is contesting charges in two of the cases, and it would be “a huge embarrassment” if the charges were dismissed after he was expelled. But she said Wood’s admission of guilt in the third case for driving drunk and possession of drug paraphernalia “might be enough” to justify a reprimand or censure.

She said her committee would soon forward its recommendation and report to the Assembly, which could vote on any proposed discipline in April or May. While a reprimand or censure might seem like a slap on the wrist, either would mark the first time in state history such a step has been taken over a lawmaker’s misconduct.

Hubler spoke after the sole sponsor of the resolution to expel Wood, Rep. Steve Nass, testified for nearly one hour in favor of the plan. Nass, R-Whitewater, said Wood deserved expulsion because of his repeated bad judgment.

Wood, an independent from Chippewa Falls, has said he is guilty of driving drunk and possessing drug paraphernalia after he was first arrested in December 2008 when he smashed into a highway sign.

But he is fighting charges stemming from his second and third arrests, which came in September and October 2009 near Wausau and in Tomah, respectively. In both cases, he said he was taking prescription drugs within the ranges recommended and is waiting for laboratory results analyzing his blood, which did not contain alcohol.

Wood, 40, has expressed regret for his actions and is not running for re-election. He has said he wants to stay in the Legislature through January so he can set a positive example for others with addiction and continue representing his northwestern Wisconsin constituents.

Powered by Bookmarkify™