Republican State Senator Dan Bishop of Mecklenburg County said Tuesday that his colleague, GOP House member Andy Dulin, should step down after it was revealed that Dulin was arrested in July for DUI.
Drunk driving has been a key issue in Bishop's reelection bid.
In the run-up to the Nov. 6 election, Bishop has approved numerous negative ads against his Democratic opponent, Chad Stachowicz. Stachowicz was arrested for DUI a decade ago, and Bishop’s ad says that he is not fit to serve.
Dulin was arrested July 2 and charged with DUI in Erie County, Ohio, west of Cleveland. He refused a DUI test, according to the municipal court’s website. He also was charged with driving in marked lanes.
Bishop told WFAE Tuesday that Dulin should step down.
“It’s unfortunate, and I think that, like Chad, Andy needs to focus on himself right now rather than public service," Bishop said. "My opinion is that he should step aside.”
Bishop’s Senate district covers much of south Charlotte, as well as Matthews and Mint Hill. It overlaps with many of Dulin’s constituents in House District 104.
Dulin didn’t return calls from WFAE this week. He told the Observer Monday that “This is an obvious last-minute smear campaign by the Democrats and their liberal allies” at the newspaper. He said he looks forward to his day in court.
His first hearing in the case is scheduled for Dec. 5.
Dulin is in a tight reelection fight against Democrat Brandon Lofton, and Democrats hope to flip the seat in order to break the GOP’s Super Majority in the N.C. General Assembly.
