Just over two weeks before the Midterm Election, Republican governor nominee Mike Minogue is asking his running mate for lieutenant governor, Shawn Oliver, to “suspend his campaign immediately.”
Oliver, 42, was arrested on charges of operating under the influence (OUI) after crashing into multiple cars Saturday night in New Bedford. He is facing charges of OUI of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding. Oliver, a New Bedford city councilor and Bristol County House of Corrections officer, was released after posting bail Sunday morning, according to the State House News Service.
“I am extremely disappointed. Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence,” Minogue wrote in a press release. “After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation.”
Oliver announced at 2 p.m. on Sunday that he has “made the decision to suspend my campaign for lieutenant governor.”
“The election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters,” Oliver wrote. “I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey and ask that my family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”
Boston Herald reporter Tim Dunn posted a video featuring Oliver’s wife, who said he is “hurt” and that “you can’t work like this…there’s been so much. It’s ridiculous.”
Oliver faced Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll in a debate Tuesday, where the candidates discussed affordability immigration and Massachusetts’ overall relationship with the President Donald Trump administration. Oliver described his relationship with Minogue during the debate as a “new friendship.”
“Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he needs to put his family first,” Minogue wrote. “He needs to ensure this never happens again. If he needs help with that, I will help him.”
Mingoue faced incumbent Gov. Maura Healey Thursday, as the two discussed affordability, Trump, and abortion. Minogue said he didn’t want to “politicize” a personal issue like abortion.
“I will follow the law. I believe in the separation of church and state and when I become governor, I will swear an oath to do that,” Minogue said. “Now I am still allowed to have my own beliefs, but my own beliefs will not get in the way of me doing what I’m supposed to do in upholding the law.”
Healey retorted that it’s “not politicizing something when one in three women in America live without access to needed abortion care.” Healey also blamed Trump and his policies for inflation and overall economic costs.
Polling in September showed Healey leading, according to both MassInc Polling and the University of New Hampshire Survey Center. A Boston Herald poll suggested that 95% of debate viewers believed Minogue won Thursday.
Updated October 18 at 2:45 p.m. with a statement from Shawn Oliver
