Son of Ill. Senate prez arrested for DUI--was driving SUV owned by state

Sunday brings another embarrassment to Illinois. Garritt M. Cullerton, 26, the son of Illinois State President John J. Cullerton (D-Chicago), was arrested for for driving under the influence just north of Chicago's Loop. His blood alcohol content was 0.018, more than twice the limit.

The SUV the younger Cullerton was driving was registered to the state, but Cullerton's office says he was using it without permission. He lives at home with his parents.

Why does Senator Cullerton even have access to a state-owned vehicle? Illinois' fiscal health rivals California's for the nation's worst. Sell the SUV.

Almost continuously since 1871, there has been a Cullerton involved in Chicago politics. Garritt had a foot in the family business as well, working as an analyst for the Illinois House until late last year.

Cullerton's office released a statement stating that daddy was "disappointed" by the incident. I bet he is.

Governor Pat Quinn, another Chicago Democrat, wants to increase Illinois' income tax by 33 percent. Last week Quinn tried to appoint an $85,000-a-year state kayaking czar.

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