Ramey: ‘I’ve gotten an outpouring of support’

SPRINGFIELD — DuPage County GOP Chairman and state Rep. Randy Ramey says he doesn’t expect his recent DUI charge to affect his duties with either job.

“No,” Ramey said. “I’ve gotten an outpouring of support.”

Ramey says he’s aware of a petition-gathering attempt locally to oust him as chairman via a special election, which he said is led by a longtime opponent.

“He’s trying to put me down any way he can,” Ramey said.

“I’m sure some people will sign it, and I don’t hold that against them,” Ramey said.

Ramey hasn’t yet announced his election plans for 2012, but he said he might pass on a re-election bid for the Illinois House and take a shot at the state Senate.

Ramey was stopped in the early morning of Aug. 28 by Carol Stream police, who said he was crossing the centerline of the road in his car. Ramey was later charged with DUI, with police saying he had a blood-alcohol concentration of .179 percent, more than twice the legal limit.

Ramey apologized in a statement last week.

This week, he says he expects to put the DUI behind him soon. His next court date is scheduled for later this month.

“People understand mistakes were made,” Ramey said.

“It doesn’t affect my abilities as a legislator or chairman,” he added.

Ramey was elected to lead the DuPage County Republican Party in late July, taking over for DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin. ŸDaily Herald Politics and Projects Writer Kerry Lester contributed.