Colorado Republican leader steps down after trying to hide his DUI and gun charges: report

The Republican House Minority Leader of Colorado has resigned from his leadership role following his attempts to cover up criminal charges for DUI and gun possession, reported Axios on Wednesday.

"It is with a heavy heart that I make this decision, but I firmly believe that our caucus is stronger when we stand and fight together for the people of Colorado," said Rep. Michael Lynch in a statement.

"Lynch became minority leader just weeks after being stopped by a State Patrol trooper on Sept. 30, 2022 for speeding at 90 mph in a 75 mph zone on Interstate 25, records show," reported John Frank. "The trooper smelled alcohol on his breath and a test later registered his blood-alcohol level at 0.16 which is double the state's limit. He was also in possession of a gun at the time. Before his arrest, Lynch asked the trooper to call the lobbyist for the State Patrol before reversing himself and asked to 'keep the press out of this,' video of the arrest shows."

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According to the report, Lynch received 18 months probation in a plea deal in which he admitted to gun possession while drunk and a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired.

Prior to the scandal emerging, Lynch was seen as a significant contender for Colorado's 4th Congressional District, being vacated by Rep. Ken Buck. Also running in that primary is Rep. Lauren Boebert, who previously represented the 3rd District but jumped ship to the other side of the state.

State lawmakers frequently find themselves in headlines for similar incidents. Last year, North Dakota state Rep. Nico Rios faced calls to resign from fellow Republicans after video showed him shouting racial and homophobic slurs at police who pulled him over on suspicion of drunk driving.