February 24, 2004

DUI for AG

State Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager (very distant relative, I believe) ran off the side of the road last night in Dodge County. She was on her way home to Fond du Lac from Madison. Police found her and had her breate into a breathalyzer. She was at 0.12, 0.04 over the legal limit. Dodge County officers took her to Beaver Dam. There she refused to take a blood test until she spoke with a lawyer. She was released to her husband a little over an hour after her arrest. Her court hearing is scheduled for March 29.

Here is her statement to employees of the Wisconsin Department of Justice:

I am sorry to tell you that I made a terrible mistake last night. While driving home, I fell asleep and drove off the road, and was subsequently cited for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

I wish to apologize to each and every one of you for the negative impact my actions might have on the Department and the public's perception of this fine institution. I am extremely embarrassed about this and know that I have disappointed many people who have put their faith in me.

I wish to thank the officers of the Dodge County Sheriff's Department for their professionalism in handling this matter. I accept the consequences of and will take responsibility for my actions.

- Peg

From what I know so far, it doesn't appear Lautenschlager received special treatment. Sheriff Todd Nehls said she behaved like "a true professional." It's quite embarassing for Wisconsin's top cop to be arrested, but unless more is discovered about last night's incident or some harmful behavior pattern this may just go away. But it might haunt her. When Sen. Russ Feingold beat Sen. Bob Kasten in 1992 part of Kasten's loss could be attributed to his drunk driving conviction. This incident could hurt Lautenschlager's political future.

"Lautenschlager Arrested for DUI"