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BREAKING NEWS: PRESIDENT OF MINNESOTA SENATE ARRESTED FOR DRUNK DRIVING
By Michael B. Brodkorb | May 22, 2007
"ST. PAUL (AP) – James Metzen, the president of the Minnesota Senate, faces drunken driving charges after his arrest early Tuesday in South St. Paul just hours after he gaveled the 2007 session to a close. South St. Paul Police Chief Michael Messerich said Metzen was stopped in his sport-utility vehicle just past 2 a.m. after an officer observed him weaving in his lane. 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." Source: Associated Press, May 22, 2007 Click here for complete story. ### "Metzen has drawn previous attention over alcohol. In 2004, a Twin Cities television station 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, but he supplied then-Rep. Scott Wasiluk with some alcohol during a late-night session. 'I came to raid your whisky,' Wasiluk said. 'That's what it's there for,' Metzen replied." Source: Associated Press, May 22, 2007 Click here for complete story.
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15 Responses to “BREAKING NEWS: PRESIDENT OF MINNESOTA SENATE ARRESTED FOR DRUNK DRIVING”
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May 22nd, 2007 at 4:52 PM
Hadn’t even considered the “I was hammered” excuse as a possibility for the DFL failures of 2007.
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:05 PM
Was he drinking with Tom Rukivina?
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:07 PM
There’s an interesting time line that needs to be explored here.
The House, as we know, adjourned at midnight. The Senate, I’m told in the paper, ended at 10 p.m.
So either from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. or from midnight to 2 a.m. (depending on where Metzen was after the Senate adjourned), Metzen got “hammered” (HT to Drew) enough to be twice over the limit.
But where did he drink? At the Capitol? But I thought that was verbotten. Did he go to a bar? What time did he leave the Capitol or the bar?
An interesting time line and one that needs to be developed.
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:11 PM
The amazing thing is that it took him this long to get caught. This guy loves his booze.
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:13 PM
“3 or 4 drinks” my ass. 0.15 is plastered.
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:22 PM
WOW– this is the same guy who said a few days ago on televised coverage (when he thought the mike was off) that his computer was “locked up all day, downloading too much porn”
If the DFL has any decorum they will kick this guy out off office immediately.
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:38 PM
I can easily hit .15 in a couple hours. I had the same thought about it being a quick timeframe, but if he was drinking with a lets get drunk attitude then .15 is nothing.
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:54 PM
Psssst, buddy. If you are out driving at 2 AM and weaving, that is like a big bright flashing neon sign on your car that says “pull me over, I’ve been drinking”. You really should have called for a ride or tried to concentrate a little harder. You know, watch the speed, watch the center and side lines.
May 22nd, 2007 at 6:03 PM
But where did he drink? At the Capitol? But I thought that was verbotten.
And, if it was verbotten, who changed the rules?
The DFL defended their capitol drinking when the story hit a year or two back. Apparently, or so it seems, the first thing they did when they took control was to change the rules to bring back booze.
If you want to see a REAL (vs. the imagined) Culture of Corruption, we found it in St. Paul.
Seems to me local police should be sitting outside the capitol every night the legislature goes late ready to arrest these Drunk-Freakin’-Liars.
May 22nd, 2007 at 6:44 PM
tisk tisk tisk… not only a DWI, but also driving an SUV… I’m shocked!
May 22nd, 2007 at 7:05 PM
The Senate “cooldown” was at Fabulous Ferns around 1:00am. The Rangers hosted an after hours event (post bar close) at the Kelley Inn.
Metzen was probably sincere claiming only 3 or 4 drinks resulting in his 0.15. His normal daily blood alcohol level is probably closer to 0.20.
The breath freshening spray couldn’t save you this time, Jimbo.
May 22nd, 2007 at 7:08 PM
not only a DWI, but also driving an SUV
He fits right in with this crowd. Gas guzzlers, booze guzzlers, energy guzzlers (Al Gore).
May 22nd, 2007 at 7:08 PM
Shozzy, be careful to get your facts straight. Metzen was not the one who said that and was not chairing session at the time. Check the tape, it was Murphy. Either incident is unacceptable, but please give credit where credit is due.
May 22nd, 2007 at 10:08 PM
My apologies– I just heard the person who said it addressed as President of the Senate–thank you for clarifying that and for confirming what I heard.
It was Murphy who made the comment about downloading porn on his state-issued computer.
Metzen’s just a drunk driver.
May 23rd, 2007 at 8:22 AM
Disgusting.
Democrat of Republican, liberal or conservative – this kind of blatant disregard for the law is sickening.
This guy should step down.