In his first public statement since his arrest early Sunday morning on suspicion of drunken driving, state Sen. Ron Menor yesterday said he "definitely" does not have a drinking problem and declined to speculate on his future in politics.

Menor gave a brief statement to the media during a lunch break on one of the most important voting days of the Legislative session, which ends tomorrow.

"I would like to very briefly apologize to my family, my friends, the constituents I represent whose interests have been very important to me throughout the years, and of course, also the community at large for my involvement in this incident," Menor said.

"I especially regret the effect this incident has had on my family — my wife and children, who have always been my highest priority and my supporters."

The senator said he'd been advised by his attorney, Howard Luke, not to give any additional comments on the incident while legal proceedings are pending.

Menor was arrested after being stopped for driving too slowly on the H-1 Freeway and refusing to take sobriety tests — aside from one breath analysis that is not admissible in court.

According to his statement and police reports, Menor went to a late night dinner with his sons and had one or two drinks, following a Chicago concert.

Asked whether he thought he had a drinking problem, Menor said, "I definitely don't."

When asked whether he would run for re-election in the fall, Menor said, "My focus at this time is on my family and also continuing my work at the Legislature, continuing the remainder of my term. I haven't even begun thinking about that. I continue to find my legislative work to be very rewarding and I've always tried to represent my constituents to the best of my ability.

"Obviously, my involvement in this incident has disappointed them and I really feel badly about that."