SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A negative campaign ad that presumably supported incumbent State Senator Doris Turner‘s reelection bid claims opponent Frank Lesko was politically connected and rules didn’t apply to him; and that related to a Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol arrest in Jerome.

The incident was 22 years ago.  But this month, Lesko responded to the ad on social media, saying the experience was life-changing for him.

“I accepted full responsibility,” said Lesko.  “I pled guilty, I had no special treatment, I went through all the classes, and paid all the fines.”

According to Sangamon County Court records, Lesko pleaded guilty in November of 2004, was sentenced to one year of court supervision, underwent alcohol treatment, and paid roughly $800 in fines.  The records also state in May 2005, a judge signed an order discharging Lesko from the court supervision.  The arrest itself happened in March, 2004.

“I’ve spent the last 20 years speaking with groups and encouraging them not to make the same mistake that I did,” said Lesko, on social media, also claiming he has given up drinking since then.

The ad was NOT believed to be produced by Turner’s campaign, but it’s no longer airing.  It was, sources say, produced by the Illinois Senate Democrat Fund.  It’s the only commercial in the campaign that some would consider negative.

“Have you seen these vicious attack ads about me that are saying things that are not true?  This is why people don’t run for public office,” said Lesko in the social media video.  “I am not afraid.  I will continue to fight for you to win this seat, because I want to save you money.”

Turner’s campaign, by and large, has also been positive.