With the midterm elections only weeks away, one GOP candidate, Shawn Oliver, who was running for Lieutenant Governor in Massachusetts, has dropped out early. This comes after a charge for impaired driving (though Oliver has submitted a ‘not guilty’ plea).
Despite suspending his campaign, the candidate will still be on the ballots, which have already been printed. He’s not currently responding to questions about whether he’ll take the role if voters choose him.
Shawn Oliver’s Impaired Driving Charge
On Saturday, October 17, just before midnight, police were called to the scene of a car accident. They arrived to find the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor sitting on a chair and bleeding from a head wound apparently obtained in the accident.
Oliver was transported to a hospital for treatment of his injuries, and police commenced an investigation which found him to be the driver of the vehicle responsible for the incident, according to CBS. Police interviewed a witness who was behind Oliver at a stoplight when the incident began.
According to the witness, Oliver drove through the intersection, then began to drift to the right, nearly hitting the curb. The SUV abruptly veered left to avoid hitting the curb, the witness said, crossing onto the other side of the road and hitting multiple parked cars.
Police reported that the candidate, who is currently holding the role of New Bedford City Councilor, admitted to having “at least two” drinks, smelled like alcohol, and had the bloodshot, glassy eyes associated with impairment.
He was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, and speeding. His license was revoked. After entering a plea of ‘not guilty,’ Oliver was released on his own recognizance.
How This Affects the Massachusetts Election
Mike Minogue, the Republican candidate for governor of Massachusetts, quickly called for Oliver to suspend his campaign. The would-be Lt. Gov. did so on Sunday following the wreck.
However, Oliver is still on the ballot as Minogue’s running mate. Early voting has already begun, and the names on the ticket can’t be changed now.
Minogue assures voters that this isn’t a problem. According to Wicked Local, he says that if he’s elected, the Lt. Governor’s office will simply remain unfilled, which he touts as a cost-saving measure, since there won’t be a need to pay the $300k salary and other costs associated with the role. He’s urging voters to still choose the ballot option that lists his name alongside Oliver’s.
“For voting, the process will remain the same,” the campaign said. “Ballots have already been printed and cannot be changed. Any marks or deletions will invalidate the vote for Minogue. Once again, Shawn Oliver will not be lieutenant governor despite the printing.”
Minogue has said that if he and Oliver are elected, Oliver will resign immediately.
Shawn Oliver Isn’t Answering Questions About Resignation
Despite Minogue’s assurances, the process might not be so simple.
On Monday night, Oliver attended a City Council meeting, but according to the New Bedford Light, he had little to say. As he left, reporters tried to ask questions, but he declined to respond.
“Oliver did not answer whether he would continue to serve on the council. He did not answer whether he would resign if elected as lieutenant governor.”
Ironically, Oliver won his current position in a special election in 2023, after the previous holder resigned following a drunk-driving charge (for which he was found not guilty).
