B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell remained on the defensive Saturday as Liberal candidates’ brushes with the law overshadowed a campaign rally in Saanich.

Campbell tried to focus on his commitment to the environment and effective management of the economy. But he faced a barrage of questions over Solicitor General John van Dongen’s speeding, and Victoria-Swan Lake candidate Jesse McClinton’s drinking and driving incident.

Van Dongen gave up responsibility for ICBC and the motor vehicle branch this week after losing his license for two incidents of excessive speeding.

McClinton, 28, was pulled over for speeding by Saanich police on July 28, 2006. Officers charged him with controlling a vehicle while impaired, controlling a vehicle with a blood alcohol limit above 0.08, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

McClinton pleaded guilty to three lesser charges of driving without reasonable care and attention on May 25, 2007. He was ordered to pay a $600 fine and issued a one-month driving prohibition.

McClinton, who attended the rally in Saanich with other Liberal candidates, told reporters that he had earlier disclosed information about the incident to the B.C. Liberal party. He was unable to say whether he told them about the original charge, or the lesser offence to which he pleaded.

“They were concerned that it was not a criminal offence,” he said. “It was a fine, I’ve paid my fine and my license was taken away for one month and I’ve served that time.”

“It’s out there for people to see,” he said. “I was never trying to hide it. It was a mistake that I made and again I have to move forward from it.”

McClinton said he’s requested transcripts from the court case so he can provide the public with more details. But he acknowledged drinking and driving on the night he was stopped by police.

“I’d had a few drinks that night,” he said. “ I definitely consumed alcohol, and I’d waited after consuming my last drink until I drove. Clearly I didn’t wait long enough.”

McClinton said he’s “deeply sorry” for the incident.

“It’s an incident I don’t take lightly. It happened almost three years ago. Since then, my record has been clean, I don’t think I’ve even had a speeding ticket since that time.

“Hopefully people will forgive me. I know lots of people make mistakes in their life.”

Campbell said he was unaware of McClinton’s mishap, but acknowledged his own drinking and driving incident in Hawaii six years ago.

“I was up front about it. I said I was sorry. I knew it was wrong. And I think that’s what Jesse’s done. And I think we have to recognize, unfortunately, people make mistakes. I think the question is how do they deal with the mistakes when they make them.”

Campbell also defended leaving van Dongen in cabinet as the Solicitor General and minister responsible for public safety despite his driving record. “He’s doing something that I think is very important; he’s pursuing our initiative to fight gangs in British Columbia. It’s been very successful.”

lkines@tc.canwest.com