Under the influence

From Associated Press

GEORGETOWN, Texas — A Texas state lawmaker who helped pave the way for major toll road projects is facing drunken driving charges.

Rep. Mike Krusee of Round Rock, the Republican chairman of the House Transportation Committee, was charged with first offense driving while intoxicated late Wednesday. He is not running for re-election this year.

Krusee was arrested after a Department of Public Safety trooper noticed his car driving erratically in northwest Austin and that his vehicle registration was expired, DPS spokeswoman Tela Mange said.

The trooper also reported a "strong smell of alcohol" when Krusee was pulled over and Krusee failed a field sobriety test, Mange said.

Krusee was arrested and taken to Williamson County Jail, where he refused a breath test. Under state law, Krusee's license is automatically suspended for 180 days for refusing the breath test. Bail was set at $1,000 and Krusee was released Thursday morning.

Krusee is charged with first offense DWI, a Class B misdemeanor with punishment ranging from probation to up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000.

Krusee's office referred questions to his attorney, Jason Nassour, who did not immediately return a telephone message.

Krusee has served in the House since 1993. He was a close ally of Gov. Rick Perry on transportation issues and in 2003 sponsored the law that opened the door for major toll road expansion.