Politics
New Bedford Councilor Shawn Oliver halts lieutenant governor bid after OUI arrest
Republican Shawn Oliver says he is suspending his campaign for Massachusetts lieutenant governor after his arrest on an OUI charge in New Bedford. His running mate had urged him to step aside, and the state GOP said it would help him seek support.
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Shawn Oliver, a New Bedford city councilor and Republican candidate for Massachusetts lieutenant governor, said Sunday he is suspending his campaign after being arrested on an operating under the influence charge.
Oliver was arrested at about 11:40 p.m. Saturday, booked early Sunday and released later that morning, according to officials cited in the report. An arrest and charge are not a finding of guilt.
His running mate, Mike Minogue, had called on Oliver to suspend the campaign. Oliver said in a statement that he made the decision “after careful reflection.” He thanked supporters and asked that his family’s privacy be respected.
The Massachusetts Republican Party backed the suspension, saying in a statement that the incident put lives at risk and was unacceptable. The party said it would help Oliver obtain support so he does not endanger himself or others again, and said he was taking responsibility for his actions.
Oliver’s campaign suspension comes as the Republican ticket faces questions about its future following the arrest. The report did not say whether Oliver’s campaign would resume or describe any further court proceedings.