North Dakota lawmaker pleads not guilty to drunken driving

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A top Republican legislator accused of weaving across the center line several times after a night out in Bismarck has pleaded not guilty to drunken driving. House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Louser, R-Minot, entered the plea on Wednesday, according to court documents. The Minot Daily News reported that a May 12 preliminary hearing has been waived and a misdemeanor jury trial is scheduled for Aug. 27. The breath test placed Louser’s blood alcohol level at 0.117%, above the legal limit of .008%. Louser reported having had three drinks, according to the affidavit.