Joseph Brennan, D-133rd, said Wednesday he is removing his name from the November ballot and will not seek re-election.

The announcement came following Tuesday's news conference by Republican candidate David Molony, held in Catasauqua, regarding the Aug. 15 arrest of Brennan, who was charged with assaulting his wife and driving while intoxicated. (See Brennan's statement on page 2.)

Molony, the Republican candidate for state representative in the 133rd District in the November election, said he was saddened to learn of the incident regarding Brennan and noted Brennan's arrest last week would hinder his ability to serve as an elected official.

"We should all be concerned for Representative Brennan the human being and hope he gets the help he needs," said Molony. "It should be clear to everyone, however, that Joe will not be able to devote the time necessary to serving our district."

Molony said his campaign will not key in on Brennan's arrest but instead remind voters of the choice that is available to them at the polls.

According to the affidavit of probable cause and the police complaint obtained by The Press, Fountain Hill police were called to Brennan's 1201 Delaware Ave. residence in Fountain Hill to investigate an alleged report of a man "hitting" a woman. Upon arrival, police identified Norma Jane Brennan and noted visible injuries to her left palm, knuckles, both feet and her left knee.

Mrs. Brennan had informed police her husband grabbed her by the neck, choked her, slapped and punched her in the face and wrestled her to the ground on the front porch of the residence, the affidavit says.

She told police her husband departed the scene in a gray Chevrolet Malibu. Police later discovered a vehicle matching Brennan's and conducted a vehicle stop and upon doing so, detected an odor of alcohol emanating from his breath, the affidavit says.

The police then administered a blood-alcohol test which revealed a blood-alcohol level of 0.20 percent, two times the legal limit, the affidavit says.

Bill Patton, press secretary for the state House Democratic Caucus, in an email to The Press emphasized the serious nature of the matter, but noted the health and well-being of Brennan and his family is a priority.

"The charges are serious and the Democratic Caucus is seeking more information," Patton wrote. "First and foremost, Representative Brennan's colleagues are concerned for him and his family. Political questions really are secondary."

Brennan was released on bail after his arrest last Wednesday.

A day after the incident, Lehigh County Judge William Ford granted Mrs. Brennan a temporary protection-from-abuse order and evicted Brennan from the residence. A hearing is scheduled today (Thursday) regarding the temporary protection-from-abuse order.

Patton added constituent services are not being affected by Brennan's arrest.

"Rep. Brennan's offices in Catasauqua and Bethlehem are open as usual, with staff available to help people with any state-government-related needs they have," he wrote.

The 133rd state legislative district includes Catasauqua, Coplay, Hanover Township (Lehigh County), Fountain Hill, some wards in Whitehall and Salisbury townships, Allentown and Bethlehem.

Brennan operates an office at 123 Bridge St., Catasauqua.

He has served in the state House of Representatives since 2006. Before his election, Brennan served as chief of staff for former state Rep. T.J. Rooney.

Brennan has also been arrested for a DUI in June 2011.

"I want to remind everyone that they have a real choice in this election," Molony said Tuesday. "My campaign will not focus on Representative Brennan's failings as a legislator but on the steps we must take to strengthen our communities."