Rep. Joe Boylan has been charged with driving while intoxicated.

Highway Patrol troopers charged the Pinehurst Republican after he swerved off the side of the road, hitting a tree, in Cameron on Thursday, the Southern Pines Pilot reports.

He was treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital.

In an e-mail, Boylan said the accident was "a wake-up call."

"This is the first time I have ever been charged with an alcohol-related offense and I promise that it will be the last," he wrote. "I accept full responsibility and am very ashamed of my behavior."

He said he will begin seeking regular counseling to stop drinking and asked for the "forgiveness and prayers" of Moore County citizens. 

State Rep. Phillip Frye was charged with drunk driving in December.

Fred Smith has received $14,500 from other politician's campaign funds since 2007.

According to his mid-year and year-end campaign finance reports, the Republican gubernatorial candidate received donations from 13 campaigns.

The top contributors were state Rep. Mitch Gillespie, who gave $4,000; Rep. Leo Daughtry, who gave $3,000; and former Senate candidate Todd Siebels, who gave $2,000.

He also received $1,000 each from Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson and Sen. Jim Forrester, $750 each from Sens. Richard Stevens of Cary and Jerry Tillman of Randolph County, and $500 each from Reps. James H. Langdon, Carolyn Justus of Henderson County and Mark Hilton of Catawba County.

He also received donations from Rep. Phillip Frye of Mitchell County, former Rep. Russell Capps of Wake County and Catawba County Sheriff David Huffman.

State Rep. Phillip Frye has been charged with drunk driving.

The Spruce Pine Republican told the Asheville Citizen-Times that he would plead guilty to the charge after hitting a parked car near his home Monday.

When he was arrested, his blood alcohol content was 0.18, more than twice the legal limit.

"I am extremely sorry this event happened," Frye wrote in a statement. "It was the first time in my life, and I assure you it will be the last."

He said he would attend alcohol treatment. 

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