DuPage GOP Chairman Accuses Foe Of Threat After DUI Arrest
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The chairman of the Republican Party in DuPage County says his political opponent threatened to expose an embarrassing videotape unless he quit a primary election race.
State Rep Randy Ramey (R-Carol Stream) is running against state Sen. Carole Pankau in the primary for the 23rd District state Senate seat.
According to Ramey, Pankau said a police video from Ramey's DUI arrest in August would not see light of day if he dropped out.
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Ramey did not drop out, and the video has been released.
In the video, Ramey has trouble getting through his ABCs during a field sobriety test. The arresting officer then tells Ramey his blood alcohol content was .204. Published reports has Ramey BAC at .17.
Ramey then appears to use his influence to try to get out of the arrest.
"Do you know who I am?" he says. He officer replies that he doesn't care.
Ramey said he has learned from his mistakes.
According to the Daily Herald, Pankau's campaign released a written statement: "Sen. Pankau made the decision, for the good of the Republican Party, to share the video with leaders in the party, as we were concerned with the abuse of power Rep. Ramey exhibited."
The statement said Ramey was not approached about withdrawing from the contest.
