MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) – Gov. James Douglas and top legislators say they are disappointed that Statehouse Sergeant at Arms Kermit Spaulding is accused of violating Vermont Fish & Wildlife laws a second time.

Spaulding, a former member of the Fish & Wildlife Board, was cited by a game warden for baiting deer in Stowe during bow season in October. Two years ago, he resigned from the board after pleading guilty to shooting from his truck at a deer decoy in Stowe. The same warden cited him both times.

State officials say that they will await the outcome of the case but they expressed concern that someone holding a public office might be guilty of violating the law.

“This is not baseball,” said Sen. James Leddy, D-Chittenden, referring to that sport’s rule of “three strikes and you’re out.”

“Clearly a second violation of the law warrants some review of accountability and responsibility,” he said.

Douglas also expressed his disappointment.

“I expect all Vermonters, especially public officials, to adhere to the laws of our state,” he said. “It is a second offense if he is convicted, so that does raise concerns.”

Douglas said Spaulding is employed by the Legislature, so it is not his place to call for his resignation or seek discipline.

Asked what he would do if one of his public officials was convicted of a second hunting violation, Douglas replied, “After (Spaulding’s) one violation, I asked him to step down from the Fish and Wildlife Board.”

The Legislature elects the sergeant at arms, and the position is not up for re-election until 2007.

Spaulding, 69, a former Republican legislator from Stowe, could not be reached for comment. He is believed to be in Maine on a hunting trip.