Outgoing state Sen. Justine Wadsack pleaded not guilty to criminal speeding in a Tucson city court Tuesday morning. Before the arraignment, Wadsack called on her followers to support her in court.
A police officer pulled over Wadsack for driving 71 mph in a 35 mph zone back in March. The following is a transcript of the recording from the traffic stop:
JUSTINE WADSACK: My name is Senator Justine Wadsack and I am racing to get home because I have four miles left on my charger before I’m about to go down.
POLICE OFFICER: OK well, Speedway is 35 mile an hour zone.
WADSACK: I understand.
OFFICER: And you were doing over 70.
WADSACK: I was not doing 70.
OFFICER: Yes, you were. I was behind you. I had my radar on.
Wadsack’s criminal citation was deferred until after the legislative session, which ended in June. The Marana Republican has called the charges a form of “political persecution,” and claims she has legislative immunity.