Chenoweth Challenger Arrested At TV Station

William Levinger, the Nampa physician challenging U.S. Rep. Helen Chenoweth in the Republican primary, was arrested this week for trespassing at a TV studio after he refused to leave, and then took off his clothes.

Levinger stayed in the studio after being interviewed for KTVB-TV’s “Viewpoint” public affairs program on Wednesday. During the interview, he said he wasn’t a serious candidate for Congress and spoke of his medical problems stemming from a serious head injury about 13 years ago.

While he was being questioned by police at the studio, Levinger said he had nothing to hide and then removed most of his clothes, police said.

Levinger, an anesthesiologist, said he plans to surrender his license to practice medicine.

“I’m supposed to be impaired,” he said.

The state Board of Medicine reported Wednesday that Levinger’s license was in good standing.

Boise police Lt. Jim Tibbs said Wednesday that Levinger resisted arrest and kicked a door of the patrol car after he was placed inside, causing $1,000 damage. No formal charges had been filed, but he could face charges including trespassing, resisting an officer and malicious injury to property.

Levinger, 40, was taken to the psychiatric unit at St. Alphonsus Hospital after the taping, Tibbs said.

Unless he withdraws by April 29, his name will remain on the ballot.