Georgia state Rep. Tom Taylor (a “family values” Republican) is in a whole lot of legal trouble after being arrested for a DUI:
Taylor was stopped at 2:45 p.m. on April 7 for driving 72 mph in a 45 mph zone with four juveniles in his SUV, according to the police report. Officer Michael Bennett reported that Taylor exited his vehicle and was legally carrying a gun on his hip. Bennett said Taylor had “an overwhelming odor of alcohol,” but denied that he had anything to drink.
The Clayton Police Department incident report contains several other jaw-dropping details. Aside from the fact that he blew a .225 (nearly three times the legal limit of .08 BAC) when he was pulled over, he got out of the car and initially refused the officer’s orders to get back in his car—all while having a .45 gun holstered on his hip! The officer must’ve realized he was dealing with an elected state representative because he called his chief of police to assist. A sergeant showed up at the scene and Taylor denied drinking that day altogether, telling the officer he was only hungover. He refused to comply with roadside tests and was eventually arrested, charged with speeding, DUI and open container. Rep. Taylor’s wife was apparently called to the scene. Police turned over the gun and Rep. Taylor’s car to her, giving the juveniles a ride home.
A former "Rookie Legislator of the Year," Rep. Taylor is chairman of the joint House-Senate committee that oversees MARTA—the Atlanta area bus and rail service. Rep. Taylor would’ve been wise to use those MARTA services on the day in question. He faces a primary challenge from Tom Owens on May 24.