GOP lieutenant governor nominee pleads not guilty after crash; his name stays on the ballot
Shawn Oliver ended his campaign after a New Bedford rollover, but state election officials say ballots are printed and early voting is underway.
Published
Shawn Oliver, the Republican nominee for Massachusetts lieutenant governor, pleaded not guilty Monday to drunken-driving and related charges, a day after he ended his campaign, CBS Boston and WHDH reported.
Oliver, 42, a New Bedford city councilor, was arraigned in New Bedford District Court on charges of operating under the influence, negligent operation, a marked lanes violation and speeding. He was released on personal recognizance and is due back in court Nov. 16, CBS Boston reported. His license was suspended.
What police say happened
Police say Oliver struck several parked cars and flipped his SUV on Dartmouth Street around 11:40 p.m. Saturday, according to CBS Boston. Police reports say he told officers he had at least two drinks at a local restaurant beforehand. He was treated for a head cut.
The campaign
Oliver was running with gubernatorial nominee Mike Minogue. Minogue called on him to step aside, and Oliver suspended his campaign Sunday, saying the election should not be overshadowed by personal matters, WHDH reported.
What it means for voters
| Question | Answer, per the Secretary of State's office |
|---|---|
| Can Oliver's name come off the ballot? | No. The withdrawal deadline was Sept. 4 and ballots are printed. |
| How many have voted already? | Nearly 300,000 as of Monday. |
| What if the ticket wins? | Oliver could decline the oath, leaving the office vacant. |
Minogue said he would ask Oliver to resign if they win, and his campaign is still asking voters to back the ticket, CBS Boston reported. A spokesperson for Gov. Maura Healey, the Democratic incumbent running with Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, declined to comment.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Sources
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