Crossposted on 43rd State Blues
This morning Senator John McGee pleaded guilty to DUI as part of plea agreement.
McGee's defense attorney said the senator was celebrating with friends after a day of golf when he fell. He injured his knee, hip, and suffered a concussion, which impaired his judgment.
During McGee's arraignment on June 20, his lawyer claimed medical conditions are the reason for the senator's behavior.
"Senator McGee did not intend to drive drunk, and he did not intend to steal anybody's car. I think there are medical explanations for what occurred that night. This is a specific intent crime that he's charged with, and I think the medical explanations that may very well exist in this case, would negate any criminal liability on the part of Senator McGee," said Scott McKay, McGee's lawyer.
KTVB is reporting that the senator will spend 3 more days in jail. The vehicle related charge was dropped as part of the plea. He has already paid restitution to the victims. In court, he said that he is truly sorry and takes full responsibility for his actions that evening. McGee will probably move on from this.
But who else was involved?
While there was no coverup, it is obvious, that the Repubs are still is big time damage control mode.
Common sense is screaming at the public right now: there is More to the McGee Story.
Years ago, my friend Mike was bartending and someone in the room had a few too many. The drunk got into legal trouble due to his state, after leaving the bar.
The police arrived and all of the bartenders were arrested, cuffed, and brought down to the police station. They were released that night with misdemeanor summonses.
This was in New Jersey.
What are the laws about serving and overserving in Idaho?
I know of bartenders in the Gem State have been fired based on a mere accusation of overserving. The premise is that the establishment is liable, to an extent, for what happens to the drunk they helped get drunk.
If McGee blew .15 at 4:00 a.m., he must have been at least .20 or higher when he was drinking. That was many hours later, after he had supposedly walked six miles.
Was McGee alone when he left? If so, who let him wander out? If not, who else was involved?
Why is there no talk of liability of the prestigious country club where he partied?
As 43rd State Blues blogger Sisyphus notes:
Hillcrest is one of Idaho's most exclusive clubs with a five figure membership fee. Known for its rigid rules and strict enforcement, its a required membership for Boise power brokers. Mitt Romney held a 2007 fundraiser in Boise at Hillcrest sponsored by Melaleuca owner Frank Vandersloot. In the past, Hillcrest's exclusivity has made it the subject of inquiry over whether its membership committee might be making decisions based upon race, gender, or religious grounds. Hillcrest does not publish its membership list on it's website.
Is the media just buying the party line?