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Mass Lt. Gov. Candidate Suspends Campaign After Drunk Driving Arrest
· Confirmed
In Short: Shawn Oliver, a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in Massachusetts, suspended his campaign after being arrested for drunk driving.
Shawn Oliver, a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in Massachusetts, suspended his campaign after being arrested for drunk driving following a crash that left several parked vehicles damaged and his own car overturned. The incident occurred late Saturday night near his home in New Bedford.
Oliver, a New Bedford City Council member, was arrested around 11:40 p.m. and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent driving, and speeding. He was taken to a hospital for treatment before being arrested.
According to police spokesperson Holly Huntoon, Oliver was also charged with a marked lanes violation. The crash left two vehicles with extensive damage, and Oliver's car flipped over during the incident.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, Oliver's running mate, expressed disappointment and called for Oliver to step away from the campaign. Minogue stated, 'Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence.'
Minogue added, 'Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he needs to put his family first. He needs to do the work to ensure this never happens again. If he needs help with that, I will help him.' Minogue also said he would formally ask for Oliver's resignation if he were elected.
Oliver acknowledged the importance of accountability and wrote, 'This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters.' He thanked his supporters and asked for privacy for his family during this difficult time.
The Massachusetts GOP formally supported Oliver's decision to stop campaigning, stating, 'We also recognize that Shawn Oliver is holding himself accountable for his actions and facing the consequences of this situation.'
The Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor is incumbent Kim Driscoll. The incident has raised questions about the integrity of the campaign and the impact on the Republican ticket.
Oliver's arrest and subsequent suspension of his campaign highlight the serious consequences of drunk driving and the importance of public safety. The public now awaits further details and the outcome of the legal proceedings against Oliver.
What's confirmed
- Minogue wrote in a statement online that he is “extremely disappointed,” especially since Oliver is a father and grandfather.
- “The allegations against Councilor Oliver are deeply concerning, and the public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened,” Mitchell wrote.
- “This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters,” Oliver wrote.
- Minogue called on Oliver to step away from the campaign and said he would formally call for his resignation if Oliver is elected anyway.
- “Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence,” Minogue said in a statement.
- “After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation,” he said.
- Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue said he asked Oliver to suspend his campaign.
- (AP) — The Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in Massachusetts dropped out of the race on Sunday hours after he was arrested in a suspected drunk driving crash.
- Oliver has been placed on restricted work duty at his job at the Massachusetts Treatment Center “while all facts and circumstances are reviewed,” Lindsay Corcoran, a spokesperson for the state’s Department of Correction, said in an email.
- The Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor is incumbent Kim Driscoll.
- The 42-year-old was taken to the hospital for injuries and arrested on suspicion of operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding, police spokesperson Holly Huntoon said in an email.
What's still developing
- “I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey and ask that my family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.” Oliver ran beside gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, who is challenging Governor Maura Healey as she vies for a second term.
- The public may view the reports by going to WHDH.com and clicking on "FCC Public File", or by visiting the FCC's website at FCC.org.
- “Lives were put at risk and that is never acceptable,” Chairwoman Amy Carnevale said.