Lawmaker escapes serious injury in morning crash

Posted at 10:01 AM on April 24, 2009 by Tim Pugmire

Rep. Jean Wagenius, DFL-Minneapolis, is reportedly recovering at home after an early morning car accident.

One of her colleagues, Rep. Rick Hansen, DFL-South St. Paul, said he was told Wagenius was struck by a drunk driver, and her car was totaled. Wagenius, the chair of the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division, was heading home after a marathon floor session that adjourned after 1:00 a.m.

According to Hansen, Wagenius was treated at a hospital and released. He had no other details. A spokesman for the House DFL caucus confirmed Hansen's account, adding that the accident occurred on 35W in Minneapolis.

UPDATE

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, says Wagenius was rear ended by a drunk driver traveling at a high speed on I-35W near I-94 in Minneapolis. She says Wagenius was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and is now resting at home.

"She's okay," Kelliher said. "That's the most important thing."

The incident raised questions about the long session. Kelliher said she always worries about lawmakers working late hours, even though she didn't think Wagenius was tired.

"She was completely alert," Kelliher said. "She was feeling fine, and obviously the other driver hit her. But I do worry about members being tired and sleepy at times. So, I think we always have to evaluate that."

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