Political career
State Assembly
Wood was first elected to the state assembly in 2002,to succeed retiring representative Tom Sykora in the 67th district. In 2008,Wood became the first Independent elected to the Wisconsin legislature since 1932. [2]
In December 2008 Wood was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Following an accident in which his car reportedly became airborne,and marijuana was found in his vehicle,his blood alcohol content was more than double the legal limit. [3]
In September 2009,Wood voted with the rest of the state assembly in approving a set of bills that would institute tougher penalties for drunk driving. The following week,he was again arrested of driving while under the influence. [4]
In October 2009,Wood was arrested again in Tomah,Wisconsin for operating while intoxicated and charged with bail jumping. [5] He was convicted on April 19,2010 of operating while intoxicated and possession of drug paraphernalia and sentenced to 45 days in jail with over $1,600 in fines. [6]
Following the end of his term,on January 12,2011,Wood pleaded no contest to a fifth-offense operation charge,a felony,and a misdemeanor bail jumping charge (which was later dropped). He was sentenced to spend nine months in jail,with three years' probation. [7]
Following his fourth arrest,State Representative Steve Nass proposed a resolution to expel Wood from the Assembly if he did not resign. Wood responded that he would seek treatment for his substance abuse problem.
| Party | Yes | No | Not voting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | 46 | 4 | 2 | |
| Republican | 2 | 44 | — | |
| Independent | 1 | — | — | |
| Percentage | 50.5% | 49.5% | — | |
| Total votes |  49 | 48 | 2 | |
Due to Wood's various legal troubles,a special committee was created on October 27 to address and recommend any possible disciplinary measures against him. Comprising the committee was chairwoman Mary Hubler (D–Rice Lake),Tony Staskunas (D–West Allis),Gary Hebl (D–Sun Prairie),Mark Gundrum (R–New Berlin),Rich Zipperer (R–Pewaukee),and Joan Ballweg (R–Markesan). [9] During the course of the committee's work they offered two substitute amendments,one for censure and the other for expulsion. Ultimately,the committee deadlocked on a tie-vote and did not recommend any punishment for Wood. [9] In justifying the decision,Hubler stated that conduct which had occurred prior to the election of a member to the state legislature would not be considered in taking disciplinary actions against said member. [9] Additionally,Huber stated that she felt Wood should be held accountable by his constituents,who would have been able to recall him from office if they wanted. [10]
The amendment to expel him narrowly failed,garnering 49 votes in favor of tabling it,and 48 votes against. In response,a new amendment was put forward to censure Wood,instead of expelling him,and the vote passed by a wide margin of 73 votes to 24. [10] [11]
| Party | Yes | No | Not voting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | 41 | 9 | 2 | |
| Republican | 32 | 14 | — | |
| Independent | — | 1 | — | |
| Percentage | 75.3% | 24.7% | — | |
| Total votes | 73 | 24 | 2 | |
Due to his various DUI offenses,Wood announced he would not seek re-election. [13]