Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s past DUI arrest has come back into the spotlight, casting a shadow over his recent selection as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate. The incident, which occurred in 1995, involved Walz being pulled over for driving 96 mph in a 55 mph zone in Nebraska. At the time, Walz was 31 years old and working as a high school teacher.
When stopped by the police, Walz exhibited a strong odor of alcohol and failed a field sobriety test. His blood-alcohol level was recorded at 0.128%, significantly above the legal limit of 0.08%. Walz was subsequently arrested and taken to Dawes County Jail, though a blood test was also administered. The results of this blood test remain unconfirmed.
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Walz eventually pleaded down to reckless driving, admitting to driving with a "wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property" according to court documents. His lawyer argued in court that Walz had sped up because he believed he was being chased by an unidentified vehicle, not realizing it was a state patrol officer. The court transcripts reveal that the trooper failed to activate his lights promptly, contributing to Walz's confusion. Despite this explanation, the judge expressed concern over Walz’s behavior, especially given his role as an educator, and imposed a $200 fine plus court costs.
The incident has resurfaced at a crucial moment as Walz joins the national stage. During his 2006 congressional campaign, Walz’s team claimed that the charges were dismissed due to his hearing issues stemming from military service. This defense highlighted Walz’s hearing loss from his time as an artilleryman in the Army National Guard. His campaign manager, Kerry Greeley, stated that Walz could not understand the officer’s commands, alleging the judge dismissed the DUI charges and chastised the officer for not recognizing Walz’s disability. However, there is no support for these claims in the court records.
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This revelation about Walz’s past raises questions about character and past conduct, which could impact the Harris-Walz ticket. Transparency and accountability are paramount for public figures, and this incident underscores the scrutiny candidates face regarding their history.
Walz’s arrest occurred on the night of September 23, 1995. Driving his silver Mazda, Walz was clocked at 96 mph in a 55 mph zone just before midnight. The responding trooper detected a strong odor of alcohol from the vehicle. Walz failed the field sobriety test and registered a 0.128% blood-alcohol content on the breathalyzer test. After his arrest, Walz spent time in Dawes County Jail, though further blood test results were not immediately confirmed.
In court, Walz’s plea to reckless driving included an admission of driving with indifference to safety. His defense claimed he sped up out of fear, not realizing the vehicle behind him was a police officer. The court, however, took a stern view of the incident, particularly because Walz was a teacher, and imposed a fine along with court costs. Walz offered to resign from his teaching position, but the principal persuaded him to stay.
As this story gains traction, it may have significant implications for Walz’s political future and the Harris-Walz campaign. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough vetting and the potential consequences of past actions on present ambitions. The public and political opponents will likely scrutinize Walz’s record and responses to this revelation, influencing the broader political discourse as the election approaches.
