The AP has now confirmed rumors that Rep. Sean Flaherty of Scarborough is being charged with driving under the influence after a rollover on I-295 on Sunday in which he sustained minor injuries.

Flaherty, a Democrat, is in his first term after unseating Republican Rep. John McDonough with 56% of the vote in 2008. He is slated to face Republican Amy Volk in November.

Flaherty was, coincidentally, the subject of an op-ed printed in the Press Herald just yesterday by Senator Joe Brannigan, who praised him for his legislative work and touted the "maturity and wisdom" of Maine's young legislators.

Until today, I would have agreed with him about Flaherty, whom I know professionally and personally. Fellow legislative candidate Alex Steed has written some words that seem to sum things up well.

According to A.J. Higgins, Flaherty said he will be making a statement sometime today.