Minnesota GOP Mailer Jabs DFL On Drunk Driving Law

ST. PAUL (AP) - Safe driving advocates and Democrats are crying foul over a GOP campaign mailing that portrays Democrats as soft on drunken driving.

The fliers were sent to residents in a number of legislative districts where Democrats, including Rep. Jay McNamar of Elbow Lake and Rep. Will Morgan of Burnsville, are facing Republicans in competitive races. They say Democrats were responsible for passing a law that weakened penalties for drunk drivers.

The law allows drivers with DWI convictions to retain driving privileges if they agree to pay for an ignition interlock system that requires them to test their blood alcohol level before operating their vehicle. The car will not turn on if the system detects alcohol on the driver's breath.

The law passed this year with bipartisan support.