Massachusetts Republican lieutenant governor nominee Shawn Oliver suspended his campaign after police charged him with operating under the influence of liquor, while his name remains on the Nov. 3 ballot.
New Bedford police said the vehicle Oliver was driving struck five parked cars late Oct. 17 and overturned. Two of the parked vehicles were extensively damaged. Oliver, 42, received hospital treatment after the crash.
Police also charged Oliver with negligent operation of a vehicle, speeding and a marked lanes violation.
Oliver said in an Oct. 18 statement that he was suspending his campaign to keep attention on the election. Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Minogue, his running mate, had urged him to stop campaigning and said he would seek Oliver’s resignation if their ticket won.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said the allegations warranted a public explanation from Oliver. The Massachusetts Department of Correction placed Oliver on restricted duty at the Massachusetts Treatment Center while it reviews the matter.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s candidate list continues to show Oliver alongside Minogue. They face Democratic Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll in the Nov. 3 election.
