State lawmaker’s comments during DWI arrest to be reviewed

The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office says it will review a drunken-driving case involving state Rep. Monica Youngblood to see whether the 41-year-old Albuquerque Republican inappropriately tried to use her legislative position to influence police.

Youngblood was arrested early Sunday on suspicion of aggravated DWI at an Albuquerque checkpoint where she complied with a field sobriety test but refused a blood-alcohol test.

Police video released Tuesday recorded Youngblood mentioning her legislative work several times at the checkpoint, and the Attorney General’s Office said Wednesday it would review the matter.

Youngblood defense attorney Paul John Kennedy did not immediately return a call Thursday from The Associated Press for comment.

Youngblood on Sunday said in a statement that she regretted the situation, particularly her decision not to take the blood-alcohol test.

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