[5] In 2014, Smith attracted local and eventually national news media attention when he stated during a legislative committee hearing: As you [Energy and Environment Cabinet official] sit there in your chair with your data, we sit up here in ours with our data and our constituents and stuff behind us.
I don't want to get into the debate about climate change, but I will simply point out that I think in academia we all agree that the temperature on Mars is exactly as it is here.
[11] Smith later issued a response from his Twitter account that clarified his statement: "climate shift we see on earth comparable to those occurring on other planets in our solar system".
The trooper reported that he immediately smelled alcohol on Smith's breath when he approached the car.
Smith's lawyer requested that the charges be missed based on an 1891 addition to the state constitution:[14]The members of the General Assembly shall, in all cases except treason, felony, breach or surety of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance on the sessions of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any speech or debate in either House they shall not be questioned in any other place...Smith's arrest occurred on the first day of the legislative session.