Martin could not be reached for comment nor could attorneys for the Jackson County prosecutor’s office. It is up to the prosecutor to decide whether to drop the charge.
Martin, who is serving his second term in the Ohio House, refused to bow to pressure from GOP leaders to resign his seat. House Speaker William Batchelder in September stripped Martin of his chairmanship of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. A spokesman for Batchelder could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Ohio State Patrol troopers stopped Martin in Jackson County, saying his pickup truck drifted left of center and his trailer didn’t have taillights. Troopers were also called to a downtown Columbus parking garage when Martin allegedly was found passed out drunk on the hood of Batchelder’s car, though Martin was not arrested or ticketed in that incident.
Wednesday is the deadline for Martin and other state representatives who want to run for their party’s nomination. Four Republicans have said they plan to run for Martin’s seat: Greene County Commissioner Rick Perales, insurance agent Brian Lampton, Greene County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Eric Spicer and attorney John Langenderfer. The primary is March 6.
Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1624 or lbischoff@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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