Democratic candidate comes forward with three DUIs

Mark Walker, a Democratic candidate for state representative, revealed Wednesday he has three drunken driving arrests in his past, including two from the same night in 1996.

"I haven't had a drink since," Walker said, referring to the night he was arrested twice in Schaumburg. "I view this as a turning point in my life."

Walker, of Arlington Heights, is running against Republican Christine Prochno to replace retiring state Rep. Carolyn Krause in the 66th District that includes all or parts of Rolling Meadows, Mount Prospect and Elk Grove Village.

The 60-year-old Walker's first drunken driving arrest came in May of 1988 when he was pulled over by an Arlington Heights police officer about a block from his home, according to court records.

Walker said he failed a field sobriety test. He ultimately received six months supervision.

Walker's two other drunken driving arrests came in the early morning hours of Sept. 12.

Walker was first pulled over on Golf Road in Schaumburg on his way home from a bar about 12:30 a.m. because of a lane change violation, according to Walker and court records.

The Schaumburg police officer administered a breathalyzer that registered a .19 blood alcohol content, nearly double the .10 limit at that time, records show.

After being processed at the Schaumburg police station and released on his signature, Walker said he told a taxi driver to drop him off at his car, which was in a parking lot where he was originally pulled over.

Walker proceeded to drive his car home, and he was pulled over immediately upon exiting the parking lot at about 3 a.m.

Walker called the decision "foolish" and "stupid."

Walker took another breathalyzer test. This one registered a .14 blood alcohol content.

For the final two DUIs, Walker pleaded guilty and his license was revoked for three and half years, according to Walker and court records. He also said he was required to attend outpatient alcoholism treatment.

Walker obtained a conditional license to drive in relation to his business consulting work for the last 18 months of the revocation, he said.

The license required Walker to use a locking device on his car that required him to pass a breathalyzer test before the vehicle could be driven, records show.

The device was removed in January of 2000 and his license was reinstated, said secretary of state spokeswoman Beth Kaufman.

Walker said he stopped drinking after the two DUIs in 1996 because, "I felt like I was being so irresponsible and so stupid that I just had to change."

Walker said he has spoken to several groups about alcoholism in recent years and that he plans to continue doing so in the future.

"I honestly believe I'm a better and stronger person for it," he said.

Prochno declined to comment on Walker's arrests. But House Republican spokesman David Dring issued a statement.

"This demonstrates reckless behavior and displays poor judgment," Dring said.