Senator Hueso busted for DUI, paper reports

San Diego state senator Ben Hueso was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in south Sacramento on Friday, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Citing the Sacramento County jail website, the paper is reporting that Hueso was booked with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher at 3:27 a.m. after being arrested by the California Highway Patrol.

According to the Bee, "The arrest took place hours after Hueso had taken part in a Latino Caucus dinner at the Il Fornaio restaurant, honoring Latino legislators who are leaving office.”

This morning, the Bee published a follow-up report: "Hours before state Sen. Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, was arrested on Thursday night on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, he and four other lawmakers were photographed reveling on a Capitol balcony, drinks in hand."

The photo was tweeted (and subsequently deleted) from San Diego assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez's Twitter account.

Dorian Hargrove reported here last year that Hueso's senate campaign disclosed an expenditure of funds during a Latino Caucus meeting in Los Angeles. Hueso spent $1458 on hotel accommodations for "candidate and son" for one night at the Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles. According to the disclosure, Hueso was there for a "legislative meeting with Latino Caucus members."

A former city councilman, the Democrat was elected to the Assembly in 2010 and moved up to the senate last year after winning the seat vacated by congressman Juan Vargas.

Hueso played a key role in allegations last year that Republican ex–city councilman Carl DeMaio, now running for Congress, was seen masturbating in a city hall men’s' room.

DeMaio called the charges a "lie,” but Hueso said he had personally witnessed the behavior.

"I was asked by the reporter [San Diegan Rex Dalton of VoiceofOC.org] if I witnessed an incident involving Council Member Carl DeMaio and I answered truthfully. I would never maliciously disparage a person's character or impede their future with false or misleading information. This was difficult to share and I have nothing further to add."

Hueso and staff could not be immediately reached for comment.

San Diego legislators of both parties have a history of being arrested for drunk driving in the state capital. In June 2011, GOP assemblyman Martin Garrick was taken into custody in the capitol garage. He issued a statement of apology and promised not to drink and drive in the future.