Posted on 05/22/2007 6:20:30 PM PDT by SmithL
Saint Paul, Minn. (AP) -- The president of the Minnesota Senate was arrested on drunken driving charges early Tuesday just hours after he gaveled the 2007 session to a close.
James Metzen was stopped in his sport-utility vehicle around 2 a.m. after an officer observed him weaving in his lane, said South St. Paul Police Chief Michael Messerich said. The stop occurred less than a mile from his house.
He was given a field sobriety test and was arrested. His blood-alcohol concentration was 0.15 percent, almost twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent. He faces two misdemeanor charges, including fourth-degree driving while impaired.
"Sen. Metzen was given no special treatment, nor did he request any special treatment," Messerich said. "He was treated like anyone else."
Metzen, 61, a seven-term senator from South St. Paul, told officers that he had three or four drinks, Messerich said.
Metzen, a Democrat, . . .
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
See post #13
Dear Senator Pogemiller,
It is with deep regret that I am writing to inform that I was arrested last night in South St. Paul. As you know, having just finished a long and stressful legislative session, we all left the Capitol experiencing a mixture of euphoria and exhaustion. Following adjournment I left the Capitol to attend a celebratory gathering with our peers. Unfortunately, the culmination of all this kept me from using my better judgment and resulted in my arrest.
I want you and all of my legislative colleagues to know that I plan to be accountable for my actions. I also plan to seek a professional evaluation and am committed to following through on their recommendations. Once again, I am truly sorry for my lapse in judgment.
Sincerely,
Jim Metzen
Senator for District 39
Couldn’t have said it better myself, since Pawlenty gave in to
Democrat Health Care, I think he will go along with the rest if
Democrats win the house and senate again next term, only a matter of time.
An apology and rehab. That’s how it’s done.
No wonder they get so loosey goosey with our money. The drunks. And to think they had the nerve to pass a state no-smoking bill. Truly elitists.
I’ll just bet he had all or most of his drinks right in the Capital bldg.
Culture of corruption.
In other words, "I know a bunch of other guys drove drunk that night besides me. You better not make an example out of me."
http://www.minnesotademocratsexposed.com/
Metzen has drawn previous attention over alcohol. In 2004, KMSP-TV, Channel 9, aired a hidden-camera report on drinking at the Capitol. At one point, a DFL House member and lobbyists were captured on film drinking in Metzen’s office. The report never showed Metzen with a drink.” Source: Star Tribune, May 22, 2007
Dude, he’s going to rehab.
Probably excused their own private club like their cohorts in D.C. Typical.
Now that’s funny.
He must have been driving on Concord - That street is such a speed/DUI trap. I have almost never been on that road and NOT seen a police cruiser or three.
People in a hurry to get to/away from the King of Diamonds?
And should also mention he was drunk because he was grieving the death of Jerry Falwell.
Well, that and there are no small amount of bars on Concord. Whenever I leave my buddy’s house (which is oddly near the KoD...) weekend nights, I keep count for fun.
ten before hitting the interstate.
Nice touch!
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