It did not take long for the “MT Lawmaker cited for having open container” story to make its way across the web – and embarrass Montana and become the first embarrassment for this session of the Montana legislature. It also hinders the plans to toughen the Driving Under the Influence (DUI) laws in the state.

For those of you who have not heard about it, Montana State Senator Jim Shockley (R-Victor) was cited for having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle Friday evening in Missoula. The Missoulian reported Shockley “was drinking a beer and tomato juice concoction when he was stopped.”

That’s another embarrassment (drinking beer and tomato juice), but that’s a story for another day. Continue reading →