MINOT, N.D. (AP) — Old social media posts involving drinking, driving and shooting things have come back to haunt a state legislative candidate from Minot.

The Facebook posts that Republican Matthew Ruby posted in 2012 and 2013 surfaced recently on a Fargo-based conservative website.

The 24-year-old National Guard sergeant told the Minot Daily News (http://bit.ly/2eARep2 ) the posts don't reflect his views or behavior.

Ruby said the posts, such as one boasting his ability to drive while intoxicated, were made in poor taste, and he apologized.

"I want to stress that I have never driven drunk nor hunted while drinking. The military takes a no nonsense approach to drinking and driving, and in my position of leadership, I have always stressed that safety is a top priority," he said.

State Democratic Party Executive Director Robert Haider issued a statement expressing his disappointment with the posts.

"While no one should get a free pass for behavior that is both irresponsible and illegal, these social media posts are an unfortunate distraction from the important local issues that should be the focus of any legislative campaign," he said.

Ruby and fellow party candidate, Randy Schobinger, are looking to retain Republican control of District 40's two House seats in the Nov. 8 election.

AJ Schultz and Heidi Rintoul are the Democrats running in the race.

"Those posts speak for themselves," Schultz said. "I would prefer to focus on the issues of the race education and our crime rates."