Ohio Candidate Booked on Domestic Charge

This photo provided by the Montgomery County, Ohio, sheriff's office shows Stephanie Studebaker. Studebaker, a Democratic congressional candidate, and her husband Sam Studebaker, were each charged with domestic violence after sheriff's deputies responded to the couple's home on the report of a fight, authorities said Monday, Aug. 14, 2006. They were both booked Sunday into the Montgomery County jail, police said. Each was released on a $25,000 bond. (AP Photo/Montgomery County sheriff's office) (AP)

CINCINNATI -- A Democratic candidate for Congress suspended her campaign Monday after she and her husband were charged with domestic violence.

Stephanie Studebaker and her husband, Sam, were arrested Sunday night after deputies responded to calls about a fight in their home, police said. Each was released on $25,000 bond.

Her campaign posted a brief message on its Web site Monday evening:

"Due to personal issues, the Studebaker for Congress campaign is suspending all campaign activities for the time being."

Studebaker, 45, a veterinarian and first-time political candidate, is running against Republican Rep. Mike Turner for the Dayton-area seat.

Studebaker was unavailable for comment, spokesman Will Evans said.

Sam Studebaker, 39, told deputies "his wife had been beating him," and had marks on right upper arm and right upper back, according to the incident report. His wife told deputies he had struck her, and she had marks on her right upper arm, the report says.

Both spouses signed domestic violence complaints against the other, police said. Neither required medical treatment, police said.

Dennis Lieberman, Montgomery County's Democratic Party chairman, said he talked with Studebaker on Monday, but her decision on the future of her candidacy is "really entirely up to her ... when she's ready, she'll let us know."

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On the Net:

Studebaker for Congress: http://www.studebakerforcongress.com/