State Senator Curt Bromm won't comment, but other candidates in the First District Congressional race say a DUI conviction should not preclude Republican Greg Ruehle from running.

Ruehle, one of seven Republicans in the race, was convicted of drunken driving in 1999 and later drove on a suspended license.

Ruehle also has been ticketed six times for speeding since 1995.

Ruehle said he made a mistake and learned from it.

That seemed good enough for other candidates in the race.

"It's not for me to judge. He says it's now behind him and I respect that," Republican Jeff Fortenberry said.

The seat is open because Republican Doug Bereuter is not seeking a 14th term.

He is resigning to assume the presidency of the Asia Foundation.