(DES MOINES, Iowa) A central Iowa lawmaker, arrested last week for drunk driving and weapons charge, has been removed as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Representative Chip Baltimore of Boone, was arrested Friday in Ames.
“I have removed Rep. Baltimore as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Rep. (Zach) Nunn will take over as Chairman for the remainder of session. Serving as a committee Chairman is a privilege that requires a higher level of trust and responsibility. Drinking and driving is unacceptable behavior that endangers the lives of all Iowans who wish to travel our roads safely. Rep. Baltimore’s actions were clearly irresponsible and he is being held accountable," said Iowa House Speaker Linda Upmeyer.
Baltimore was arrested near Ames early Friday morning after his vehicle was spotted driving erratically near Highway 30 and Dayton Avenue. Baltimore had a blood alcohol level of 0.14%, nearly twice the legal limit, and was charged with OWI First Offense. He was given an additional charge of Carrying Weapons While Intoxicated.
Baltimore has released a statement:
“From the moment I made the horrible decision, I have taken full responsibility for it and accepted any and all consequences resulting from it. Speaker Upmeyer and I have spoken several times over the last few days, and I wholeheartedly agree with and support her decision concerning the chair position of the House Judiciary Committee, as it is the right thing to do. I will work with Chairman Nunn to make the transition as smooth as possible.”
The changes will take effect immediately.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds was asked about the arrest and change in leadership today (Monday) during her weekly news conference.
"My thoughts and prayers are with Representative Baltimore, it starts with admitting that you made a mistake, and he's done that, it starts with taking responsibility and he's done that and said it was a horrible decision. He takes responsibility for that, he's apologized, and says understands and agrees with the consequences, and the action that Speaker Upmeyer took. I believe they've handled it and I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers and move forward."