- Key Points
- An Illinois Executive Ethics Commission member was arrested for DUI after a head-on collision.
- She previously served as a spokeswoman for several Republican leaders and a former governor.
SPRINGFIELD — A member of the State of Illinois’ Executive Ethics Commission (EEC) and a longtime legislative spokeswoman was cited for driving under the influence in Springfield last month.
Patricia “Patty” Ann Schuh, 67, was arrested after causing a wreck at Veterans Parkway and Old Jacksonville. The incident happened around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 1.
In a report obtained by The State Journal-Register, Schuh admitted to a Springfield Police officer that she had consumed approximately three to four glasses of wine at a wedding.
The officer described Schuh’s eyes as “glossy” and her speech as “slowed.”
Patricia “Patty” Schuh From Executive Ethics Commission Website
Schuch refused to complete a standardized field sobriety test at the scene. That results in suspension of driving privileges for a year.
According to the report, Schuh was westbound on Old Jacksonville Road when she crossed over into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle head-on.
Schuh also was ticketed for driving the wrong way on a divided highway.
Schuh was appointed to the nine-member commission by Attorney General Kwame Raoul. Schuh is serving her second four-year term, which is up on June 30, 2028.
According to the EEC site, five commissioners are appointed by the governor, and one commissioner each is appointed by the attorney general, secretary of state, comptroller and treasurer. No more than five commissioners may be of the same political party.
The commission conducts administrative hearings on alleged violations of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act.
Schuh served as a spokeswoman and press secretary for four Republican leaders, Senate President James “Pate” Philip and Senate Republican Leaders Frank Watson, Christine Radogno and Bill Brady.
She was later deputy chief of staff for communications for Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Raoul, in a statement issued through a spokeswoman, said he was aware of the incident and was standing behind Schuh.
“I have developed great admiration for her integrity, notwithstanding us having different party affiliations,” he said. “A single mistake in an individual’s long tenure of service, for me, does not define who they are. I do not believe in throwing people under the bus over one bad decision, and I am confident in Patty’s ability to continue to faithfully execute her duties as commissioner.”
Schuh has a first court appearance on Dec. 4.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
