Small Town News

State representative wont step down

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A Bismarck state representative declined the governor's request this week to step down after his arrest for allegedly assaulting his wife.

Don Canton, a spokesman for Gov. John Hoeven, said the governor told state Rep. Dave Weiler that he should leave his seat as District 30 representative in light of his arrest March 12 on a charge of assaulting his wife, Nicole, nearly a year after pleading guilty to a similar charge.

"It's in the best interest to Nicole and his children and the district to step down," Canton said. "Dave declined to resign."

Canton said Hoeven made the suggestion to Weiler, a Republican, through the governor's attorney.

Weiler's attorney, Justin Roness, said Friday evening that he was unaware Hoeven had contacted Weiler and that he could not comment on the case.

"I haven't had a chance to discuss it yet," Roness said.

Weiler did not return a phone message to the Tribune on Friday. He has said he is innocent of the charge and told The Associated Press he is "looking forward to the court case."

Bismarck police reported that Weiler punched his wife in the face several times. He was charged with Class A misdemeanor simple assault-domestic violence.

State Republican Chairman Gary Emineth said that he met with Weiler on Thursday and advised him to give up his seat. "I asked him to consider stepping down yesterday," Emineth said. "He said he's not going to, because he's innocent."

The party has no process of making a formal recommendation on the matter, according to Emineth, who said he spoke to Weiler "as a friend" and was willing to let the legal process take its course.

"I didn't want to put any pressure on him," said Emineth, saying it was a touchy matter involving family issues, and "I'm not one to do anything for political expediency."

House Majority Leader Al Carlson also said that he would wait for the matter to go to court, adding that the Legislature cannot do anything against Weiler until it next meets in session.

"I'believe in jurisprudence," he said. "This whole abuse thing is a terrible thing."

According to Canton, Hoeven made his feelings known to Weiler 10 days after Weiler'sarrest because the governor had expected him to quit before then.

"The fact is that the governor thought it would be resolved sooner," Canton said.

Nicole Weiler works in the governor's office. The couple are separated and she filed for divorce.

"Obviously, it would be difficult for him to represent his district under these circumstances," Canton said.



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© 2010 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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