A district judge on Tuesday cleared a candidate for state representative of charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and related offenses.

District Judge James Ferrier of Orwigsburg dismissed the charges against James A. Barton, also of Orwigsburg, after a preliminary hearing.Barton, 49, is challenging fellow Republican state Rep. Jerry Knowles for his 124th District seat in the May 20 primary election.The charges stemmed from an accident Barton had at 11:08 p.m. Feb. 24 when he lost control of his sport utility vehicle and hit a utility pole on Red dale Road in West Brunswick Township.A news release issued by state police at the Schuylkill Haven barracks said Barton, who wasn't hurt in the crash, showed signs of intoxication.Trooper Stephen D. Kleeman charged Barton with DUI, disregarding traffic lanes, failing to drive at a safe speed and careless driving.