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Woodburn Steps Aside As State Senate Democratic Leader, Plans To Remain In Seat

Todd Bookman/NHPR

Several days after he was arrested on misdemeanor assault and domestic violence charges, Sen. Jeff Woodburn is stepping down as the leader of the Democratic caucus in the New Hampshire Senate - but staying put in his seat representing much of the North Country.

Almost all of Woodburn's fellow Democrats in the State Senate have called on him to resign from office entirely.

In a statement issued Monday afternoon, Woodburn said he was "voluntarily stepping aside as minority leader to devote [his] full attention to clearing [his] name and representing [his] North Country constituents."

"As a father, my family comes first," his statement continued. "Supporting them will be my priority during the difficult time ahead."

The third-term Whitefield lawmaker faces an assortment of misdemeanor charges stemming from allegations that he hit and bit an intimate partner, threw water on her and attempted to kick in the locked door of her home. (Read a statement from the N.H. Attorney General listing the charges here.)

Woodburn was first arrested Thursday and released on bail later that evening. In the hours that followed, he said he "intend[s] to fully address and defend against these charges in court." He is scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 20 at the circuit court in Lancaster. 

Casey is a Senior News Editor for NHPR. You can contact her with questions or feedback at cmcdermott@nhpr.org.
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