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Ohio GOP Calls on Ryan to Explain Intoxication Arrest
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, Bob Bennett, has no intentions of letting Tim Ryan's arrest for public intoxication slip from public memory. In a news release distributed by the state GOP to news organizations, Bennett called on Ryan, a Democrat from Niles, "to provide a credible explanation about his 2 a.m. arrest in Lexington, Va., on Aug. 25, as well as police records that have been withheld."
Ryan was arrested in Lexington, Va., which is a three-hour drive from Washington, D.C., the news release noted. Ryan is co-chairman of the Congressional Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus, and the Military Health and Suicide Prevention Caucus, it also pointed out.
A court in Rockbridge County, Va., dismissed the misdemeanor charge Tuesday.
"As a public servant and co-chairman of a caucus that addresses alcohol and substance abuse, Tim Ryan accepts a higher standard for his own behavior. Congressman Ryan should disclose public records about what happened," said Bennett in a prepared statement.
"He said he was attending a wedding reception, but the wedding was the next day. Why are we hearing about this just now? When he says 'we were walking' who else is he talking about? Who was he with?
"With so many questions unanswered it will be impossible for Congressman Ryan to maintain credibility as a leader of a congressional organization that raises awareness and other concerns for people facing addiction issues. It's time to hear from our elected official -- what's the truth?" said Bennett.
The Lexington Police Department could not provide details about the incident due to state law, which does not allow open public records. Authorities did however say that the arrest was made at 2:01 a.m. Aug. 25.
BACKGROUND: Public Intoxication Charges Dismissed Against Ryan
SOURCE: Ohio Republican Party.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.