Politics
New Bedford councilor facing OUI charges as GOP ticket presses him to leave race
Shawn Oliver, the Republican nominee for Massachusetts lieutenant governor, was arrested after a Saturday night crash in New Bedford and charged with operating under the influence and to endanger. His running mate, Mike Minogue, called on him to suspend his campaign less than three weeks before Election Day.
Republican lieutenant governor candidate Shawn Oliver was arrested after a crash involving parked cars in New Bedford on Saturday night, creating an immediate crisis for the GOP ticket less than three weeks before the Nov. 3 election.
New Bedford police charged Oliver with operating under the influence and operating to endanger, according to the information reported Sunday. The crash occurred on Dartmouth Street. Video of the scene appeared to show Oliver’s vehicle crossing the road, hitting a parked car and overturning into other vehicles. Police had not yet provided a report detailing the incident, and the circumstances remain under investigation.
Oliver, a Ward 3 New Bedford city councilor and Bristol County House of Corrections officer, was released from the Ash Street jail Sunday morning. His name remained on the ballot as of Sunday, 17 days before the general election, when he and Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Minogue are scheduled to face Democratic Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.
Minogue said he had spoken with Oliver and was asking him to suspend his campaign immediately. He also said that, if elected, he would formally seek Oliver’s resignation. “There is no excuse for driving under the influence,” Minogue said, adding that he was disappointed and that no innocent person was hurt.
Massachusetts Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale said the party had just learned of the crash and was awaiting more information. Oliver’s wife, speaking outside their home, said he was asleep and “very hurt” by the situation, but declined to comment further.
New Bedford police had been asked to provide the incident report and additional details. Oliver’s arrest and charges are allegations; the available information does not establish the outcome of the case.