MADISON (WSAU) The Wisconsin Assembly adjourned at four o’clock this morning, after it finally got through its 100-item agenda from yesterday. Independent Jeff Wood of Chippewa Falls asked leaders of both parties to vote late last night on the resolution that would expel him for his three O-W-I arrests. But the full house refused to do so, as it reached a 47-47 deadlock. Some Republicans said it was wrong to debate such a rare-and-grave issue in the middle of the night – while others said the resolution’s author, Whitewater Republican Steve Nass, was not there for it, and he should be.
Nass was excused yesterday so he could attend a wake-and-funeral for his mother, who will be buried this morning. Nass’s office slammed Wood for trying to force the issue. Spokesman Mike Mikalsen accused Wood of trying to get a less-punitive censure in his hand as fast as he could – so he could use it to get softer sentences for his O-W-I cases.
Wood has struck a plea deal in the most serious drunk driving case in Columbia County. Charges of driving under the influence of medicines are still pending in Marathon and Monroe counties.
As of now, a vote on Wood’s Assembly punishment is not scheduled. Republicans tried to get it on the agenda for next Tuesday, but they failed. The Assembly only has two more meetings planned before the current session ends for good a week from now.
