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When Ohio State Rep. Wes Retherford ran for re-election, the Butler County Republican Party instead endorsed his challenger, since Retherford has a “partying problem.” That might be reflected by his driving record: Retherford has racked up 13 traffic tickets, and been in seven vehicle accidents, over the past 17 years. Retherford, 33, was re-elected, but now he’s been arrested for drunk driving after he was allegedly found passed out in a McDonald’s drive-thru; police also found a loaded gun in his car, and added a charge of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle. That’s a felony, and a conviction would disqualify Retherford from office. While the local Republican Party calls Retherford “unreliable and unfit” and asked him to resign, House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, who is also a Republican, calls the arrest an “unfortunate hiccup” and urges patience with “the process” of the court. “Things happen. I’m not going to sit here and beat the guy up or kick him while he’s down.” (RC/Columbus Dispatch) ...Tip: when party officials say one of their own is “unfit” for office, believe them.