Schools chief Randy Dorn apologizes for drinking and driving

Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn apologized Thursday for drinking and driving, saying in a written statement he is deeply sorry for disappointing his family, supporters and staff, and for failing to set a good example for schoolchildren across the state.

"I will work hard to earn back your trust, and I pledge that I will never make this mistake again," Dorn wrote.

In the statement, Dorn also gave more details about what he had been doing in the hours before his arrest early Sunday for investigation of driving while under the influence of alcohol.

He said he was with his family at an annual crab feed and dance at the Swiss Sportsman Club Park in Bonney Lake, a club he said they have long supported. Because they are members, he said, they stayed late to help clean up the hall.

"I drank beer during the event," he said, "but I thought I was capable of driving home. I now know that drinking any amount of alcohol before driving is an extremely poor choice."

According to police records, an officer in Orting initially stopped Dorn at about 1:15 a.m. for investigation of speeding and for a defective taillight. But then the officer smelled alcohol. The report said Dorn took two sobriety tests and a preliminary breath test at the scene, and failed all three.

When Dorn got out of the car, the officer said he could smell a "strong odor of intoxicants" and observed that Dorn's "eyes were watery, droopy, bloodshot and his face was flushed."

In two breath tests done at the police station about an hour and a half later, Dorn's blood alcohol was reportedly 0.11 percent, higher than the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Much of the delay in administering the last two breath tests was due to Dorn's attempts to contact an attorney, the officer wrote.

Dorn's wife had been in the car with him, according to Tom Ellington, his attorney. Dorn's three sons are all adults.

Dorn, 56, was charged Wednesday with a single count of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was also given a speeding citation for allegedly going about 45 miles an hour in a 35 mile-per-hour zone.

The allegations have raised questions about Dorn's judgment as a public official, especially as the state's top schools official.

In his statement Thursday, Dorn said his attorney has asked the city of Orting to release all the documents related to the case, and that his first court hearing will be next Friday.

He said he continues to go to work, although he will take a long-planned vacation next week.

Dorn was elected superintendent in 2008. He oversees everything from state school funding to teacher certification and state exams. He also enforces education laws and advises the Legislature on education issues.

Some elected officials have weathered drunken-driving charges or convictions and remained in office. Political consultants say a lot depends on the details of Dorn's case and how he handles the matter.

Linda Shaw: 206-464-2359 or lshaw@seattletimes.com