Rep. Mark Buesgens, on probation for DWI, pulled over again

Buesgens in his September mug shot.

Rep. Mark Buesgens is already on probation for a drunken driving conviction last year that embarrassed Tom Emmer's gubernatorial campaign, and led to Buesgens giving up a House leadership role.

Now he's been pulled over again.

Buesgens was stopped on Wednesday in Scott County, and then released after passing a field sobriety test. Even so, House Speaker Kurt Zellers released a statement suggesting Buesgens get some help.

These allegations are serious, and we expect Representative Buesgens to continue to take responsibility for his actions. We will support and pray for him in his recovery effort, and have requested that he seek additional professional evaluation and follow all recommended action."

Buesgens drove into a Wright County ditch last September, and his memorable failure of a field sobriety test was captured and posted on YouTube for all the world to see.

"You can't even stand up right now," a Wright County deputy tells him at one point.

At the time of the arrest, Buesgens was listed as the chairman of Emmer's campaign committee while Emmer was already dealing with bad P.R. over his own history of drunken driving. Emmer cut ties with him right away.

Then, days after easily winning re-election in his Jordan district despite the debacle, he pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 60 hours of community service and two years of probation.

In December he gave up his chairmanship of the House State Government and Finance Committee.

Scott County officials have notified Wright County of Buesgen's possible probation violation. One of his probation requirements is that he abstain from alcohol.

Past coverage:

• Buesgens nabbed on suspected DWI
• Emmer's campaign alcohol problems keep getting worse
• Buesgens resigns as GOP consultant
• Buesgens resigns from GOP consulting job
• Buesgens sentenced to probation and community service
• Buesgens quits House leadership post