posted on December 28, 2000 11:01:22 AM new
BUSH DWI CITED AS PRESIDENTIAL QUALIFICATION..."New York's Republican Governor George Pataki appeared on Wednesday to reopen the wound of president-elect George W. Bush's past arrest for drunk driving with an unusual remark while introducing a new state commissioner. As Pataki, who flew to Florida to defend Bush in the election recount impasse earlier this month, appointed Raymond Martinez as Department of Motor Vehicle Commissioner, a reporter asked if his choice ever had been ticketed for speeding or drunk driving. Martinez replied, ``Yes, I have a DWI from 1989, and also a speeding ticket from 1997.'' DWI is shorthand for a ``driving while intoxicated'' offense. ``I guess that qualifies you to be President of the United States then,'' Pataki said. After Pataki's remark, there was a brief pause and then the media conference continued." --Reuters,12/28/00
