Wayne Holland Statement on Sheldon Killpack

“Senate Republican Leader Sheldon Killpack’s circumstances are tragic – for him and his family, his constituents and colleagues, and for the public who he may have endangered.

We ask all Utahns to honor the principle that he is to be presumed innocent of the charge of driving under the influence until proven guilty. However, his decision to refuse to comply with the investigating police officer’s request for breath test shows that he did not deal with this in a responsible, forthright manner.

As a public figure, he knows that he will be held to a high standard. We expect that there will be consequences for his leadership position and his position as Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee."

However, this is the Utah Senate we're talking abut. Even if he were stripped of his committee chairmanship, it would be returned to him by the end of the year. Just look at Senator Buttars....

More on Killpack DUI

For more on the story, see my previous post.

Tribune

In a statement, Killpack apologized for those who he has disappointed.

"I am deeply sorry for the impact this incident will have on those who support and trust me -- my colleagues in the Senate, my constituents and, most importantly, my family," Killpack said. "I am a firm believer in responsibility and personal accountability, and am prepared to accept all personal, legal and political consequences for my actions."

Killpack's father was killed by a drunken driver when he was a teenager and he has sponsored and supported legislation aimed at cracking down on impaired drivers. He was the Senate sponsor last year of a law that allows the seizure of vehicles for habitual drunken drivers.

"Coming from a family who has lost a member as a result of somebody driving under the influence, a lot of times we hear about the inconvenience of something like this where you would lose a vehicle," he said during debate of the bill. "I would invite people to examine the inconvenience of someone losing a family member as a result of someone driving under the influence."

Senate President Michael Waddoups, who has been a crusader for tougher drunken driving penalties, said the arrest is a difficult time for Killpack and his family.

"He has requested privacy as he addresses the situation with those closest to him," Waddoups said. "When he and I spoke this morning he indicated he is accountable for his actions and I respect him for that. Senator Killpack has served this state, and the Senate, with distinction and he remains in our hearts and prayers."

BREAKING: Utah Senate Majority Leader Arrested for DUI

I wish KUTV had the ability to embed their videos like KSL and Fox13 do. However, since they are the only ones reporting it, I can provide you a link to the story and a summary of what was reported:

Sheldon Killpack (R-Syracuse), Utah Senate Majority Leader, was pulled over for swerving in the area of 3300 South and 700 East. He smelled heavily of alcohol and failed a field sobriety test, and refused a Breathalyzer.

The Senate is expected to release a statement in the next few hours.

-Bob