Rep. Jeff Wood at committee hearing
A state lawmaker facing expulsion for allegedly driving under the influence will have to wait until next week to find out his fate.
State Representative Jeff Wood (I-Chippewa Falls) attempted to call for a vote early Friday morning on a resolution to remove him from office. The measure was introduced in October and a special panel formed to consider it deadlocked on a recommendation in March.
Wood says he accepts what he’s done, but he just wants the issue over with. He said the call for a vote this week was so the motion could be resolved before he appears in court Monday in one of the cases stemming from an OWI arrest. Wood also expressed a desire to not have the last week of the legislative session distracted by the call to expel him from the Assembly.
Wood is not seeking re-election this fall.
Republicans criticized the move because the sponsor of the resolution, state Representative Steve Nass (R-Whitewater), was not present in the Assembly for Thursday’s session. Nass’ mother recently passed away and he was attending her wake and funeral.
Others argued it was wrong to take up such a “historic measure” in the early hours of the morning.
Wood’s motion to call for a vote on the resolution ultimately failed on a 47-47 vote. It will now likely receive a vote during next Tuesday’s floor period. Democrats are expected to push for an amendment that would censure Wood, rather than expelling him.
AUDIO: Rep. Jeff Wood (5:48)