Jeffrey Wood

Jeffrey Wood (born September 12, 1969 in Juneau, Wisconsin) Is an American Independent and former Republican politician. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the 67th district from 2003 to 2011. He was first elected as a Republican and later was elected as an Independent.

Biography Wood attended University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He is married and has two children.

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.

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.

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.

In October 2009, Wood was arrested again in Tomah, Wisconsin for operating while intoxicated and charged with bail jumping. 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.

Following his fourth arrest, State Representative Stephen 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.

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). 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.

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. +Vote to censure Representative Jeffery Wood Party Yes No Not voting Democratic4192 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.

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.

Electoral history

Wisconsin Assembly (2002–2008)