CO Lawmaker Suspected Of DUI Addresses Colleagues

A Colorado Republican lawmaker suspected of driving drunk last week addressed her colleagues in the state House.

Grand Junction Republican Rep. Laura Bradford took the podium Monday morning to address fellow lawmakers since news of her traffic citation became public Friday. Denver police ticketed Bradford with an illegal lane change and improper turn.

Police say an office smelled alcohol on Bradford and administered a sobriety test. Police say the officer was unable to arrest Bradford because of a state constitutional provision designed to protect Colorado lawmakers’ ability to travel to and from the statehouse to cast their vote prevented.

Bradford was stopped Wednesday night and lawmakers were not working at the time. Bradford parked her car and took a cab.

The following statement is from Bradford on Monday:

Colleagues and friends, it’s with a deep sense of pain and remorse that I stand before you today.

I am not above the law. I am bound to the same laws and standards as every other citizen.

I am sorry that my actions have cast a shadow on this House and the entire General Assembly.

Last Wednesday evening, I was pulled over by the Denver Police for traffic violations.

I was driving my personal car with legislative license plates. In response to the officer’s inquiries, I stated that I was leaving a legislative function and needed to be at the Capitol the next day.

I responded to officers’ questions. My statements were not intended to invoke legislative privilege.

I am deeply sorry for my actions, and I apologize to each member of this body, to my constituents and to the people of Colorado. ———————————————————————————————–