CONSULTANT: THIS MUGSHOT IS WHY COUNCILMAN QUINTON LUCAS WON'T BE KANSAS CITY MAYOR!!!

Fallout from a Kansas City mayoral game changer continues . . .

Following the bust of councilman Quinton Lucas for suspected DUI . . . The political predictions and arguments continue to circulate . . .

Here's one talking point that deserves to be debunked . . .

Councilman Quinton Lucas claims that not moving his car absolves him of DUI charges. FALSE.

FACT: People get convicted for DUI for doing nothing but sitting in a car ALL THE TIME.

Reality . . . Lawrence, Ks. is a college town and police have a great deal of leeway when it comes to busting the wide array of drunks on their streets.

Initially, we thought the "key in the ignition" rule applied . . . But the DUI regs can be actually much more strict. A few Kansas police have sent word our way noting that any DUI suspect driver in a car with even "access" to their keys can be arrested for DUI. Is it fair? NO but nobody said DUI laws are fair, blame MADD . . .

Here's a quick quote that might help further our understanding via a simple internet search that no other newsie in KCMO has bothered to conduct . . .

In Kansas, a motorist can get a DUI even without actually driving: The statute defines DUI as “operating or attempting to operate” a vehicle while under the influence or with a prohibited BAC. Kansas courts have said this includes any “overt act to engage” and does not require movement of the vehicle. So while driving is sufficient for a conviction, it isn’t required.

Of course, this is a first suspected offense for Mr. Lucas so it's likely courts will give him the benefit of the doubt and odds are he can get the charge thrown out. But the fact remains, a lot of people have been convicted for DUI under the exact same circumstances Mr. Lucas describes.

More importantly . . .

THE DUI MUGSHOT HAS DOOMED THE MAYORAL AMBITIONS OF COUNCIL DUDE QUINTON LUCAS!!!

A word from one of the top ranking KCMO consultants who offers a preview of the upcoming 2019 primary contest . . .

"This is campaign ad gold. Generally people don't like to go negative in KCMO races but this one is just too good to pass up. We're already doing mock-ups for mailers with the mugshot from 3rd parties. At time when more residents want to talk about crime and putting more police on local streets, an opponent who has a fresh mugshot is like manna from heaven."

And so, while Councilman Lucas might very well evade any charges for the DUI arrest, the mugshot threatens to damage his political credibility among so many voters who want the next mayor to make public safety a top priority.

You decide . . .