Constituent Non-Service

SAN DIEGO -- Many Latino lawmakers have nicknames. In California, we continue the tradition. Often times, we call them "defendant."

In a state where Latinos make up more than 38 percent of the population, it's shameful to see Latino legislators act as if the rules don't apply to them. With reckless ways and questionable behavior, it's no surprise that some wind up booked and fingerprinted.

The newest member of that club is state Sen. Ben Hueso, who was arrested for drunk driving last week near the state Capitol in Sacramento. California Highway Patrol officers said they saw the Democrat from San Diego driving a state vehicle the wrong way down a one-way street. The legislator showed "objective signs and symptoms" of being under the influence of alcohol, was given a field sobriety test, and got booked into the county jail at about 3:30 a.m.

You would think that those called to lead would have the common sense to call a taxi.

Hueso doesn't drink alone. A few hours earlier, he was photographed, shirt untucked, on a balcony in the Capitol reveling with four other Democratic members of the Latino Caucus. All the merry men appear to be singing and have drinks in hand. One of them -- Assemblyman V. Manuel Perez -- told a newspaper they were drinking tequila.

Naturally. If you're going to make a fool of yourself, and embarrass your community, you should stay true to your culture.

Mind you, this was only the after-party. Earlier, the Latino legislators and another two dozen of their colleagues from the Latino Caucus had feasted on what Perez called a "nice dinner" at an Italian restaurant, where -- according to another photo -- wine was served with the meal.

What's with all the pictures? Are these lawmakers proud of behaving like college kids?

And why were the legislators celebrating to begin with? Did they just write and pass some important piece of legislation to serve Latino constituents by improving education, expanding health care, preserving the environment or creating jobs?

No, that would be too much work -- and bear too much of a resemblance to leadership. The caucus was celebrating because it was time to say goodbye to departing members, including Perez.

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