Citation, plea become issue

Archive for Thursday, October 28, 2010

October 28, 2010

Republican 3rd Congressional District candidate Kevin Yoder pleaded guilty to refusing to take a preliminary breath test in connection with a 2009 incident, Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson said.

“If someone is going to obstruct a DUI investigation, we are going to require that they plead to refusal of a PBT,” Branson said Monday.

Yoder’s campaign said he was not driving under the influence.

“Kevin was pulled over for speeding,” said Alissa McCurley, a spokeswoman for Yoder. “He was asked to take a field sobriety test, which he passed.”

Yoder faces Democrat Stephene Moore and Libertarian Jasmin Talbert in the Nov. 2 election.

Yoder was pulled over on Kansas Highway 10 east of Lawrence by a Highway Patrol trooper at 2:31 a.m. Feb. 8, 2009, and given a ticket for going 80 mph in a 70 mph zone and for refusing to submit to the preliminary breath test.

Moore’s campaign manager Matt Sinovic criticized Yoder’s actions.

“Kevin Yoder’s irresponsible actions … are inexcusable. His lies in attempt to cover up these facts are an insult to the voters of the 3rd District,” Sinovic said.

McCurley defended Yoder.

“He was issued a speeding ticket and then asked to take a preliminary Breathalyzer test. He declined because he had passed the sobriety test,” she said.