Political experts explain why candidates convicted of misdemeanors can run

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) — Political experts say a Democratic congressional candidate who was found guilty of DUI in Whitfield County can still be on the ballot.

Dashcam video shows what unfolded when Dalton police officers arrested Steven Foster for driving under the influence last September.

“I want absolute blood work and then I want copies of it sent to Med Now, because we have been working for the county for years. My God ladies,” Foster said in the video.

The case went to trial and this week Steven Foster was found guilty of a DUI misdemeanor.

“Go right ahead I’ve had them pinched before by Colombian Police. That is alright I have been in jail in six damn countries and the state of Mississippi,” he told the officers.

Ken Ellinger, a Dalton State political science professor, says Foster can still be on the ballot.

“Because he is running for Congress Federal law would say as long as he is not convicted of a felony then he can still run for Congress. So this really wouldn’t impact his ability to run for congress since it is a misdemeanor. Of course the larger question would be politically, what are the chances of someone getting convicted of a DUI and actually getting elected? Probably not great,” Ellinger said.

Ellinger says because of the political makeup of the town, he was already an underdog.

“Of course given the fact that he is a democrat running against an incumbent republican in our particular district his chances of winning were not good to begin with. Now they are virtually impossible,” he said

After getting his blood work done the night of his arrest, Foster is seen leaving Hamilton Medical Center. The results came back with a blood alcohol concentration of .107.

“I used to try to be somebody in this town and I realized all that matters is money. This is a sick town,” Foster said.

Foster will be sentenced on Tuesday.