Brian Poznanski Should Resign

Apparently there is no New Hampshire House Rule for dealing with a State Rep who is drinking at a party with at least 21 other underage drinkers.  According to a news report in the Union Leader Nashua Rep Brian Poznanski was arrested at a House party in Bedford along with 21 others, all charged with underage drinking.

Both House Speaker Terie Norelli, D-Portsmouth, and House Majority Leader Mary Jane Wallner, D-Concord, said they were not aware of any rules that would require Poznanski to resign or take other action. [Link]

The focus seems to be on whether a rep under the age of twenty one caught drinking should be an issue.  But we're missing the point.  A state lawmaker was found in a home where 21 others were violating state law, and until the police showed up, it does not appear that this was of any particular concern.  Is there any question about the consequences for a state lawmaker over the age of 21 in the same situation?  Is there any question if one of those minors drove home and killed themselves or someone else as a result?  Might that be a concern for the House leadership?

I can only speculate that this was not the first time Mr. Poznanski has himself consumed alcohol in violation of state law, or that he has done so in the company of other underage drinkers before or after  being appointed to make law for the people of Wards 5, 8 and 9 in Nashua, but it would be difficult to claim he had not.

Regardless of that the question should turn not on whether an underage House Rep caught drinking should be held to a higher standard beyond the punishment the law allows for the actual offense.  It should turn on the fact that a state lawmaker allowed State law to be violated by 21 other people (at least on one occasion) with his obvious consent.

Brian Poznanski should resign.