Crime

Idaho GOP State Sen. Arrested for Grand Theft, Drunk Driving After Odd Bender

A prominent GOP state senator in Idaho was arrested in the wee hours of Sunday morning after he reportedly stole an SUV, took it on an unsuccessful joyride, and then fell asleep inside.

KTVB-TV explains what happened to Senator John McGee:

Ada County Sheriff’s Deputies said it all began Saturday night when McGee started drinking at a golf course at about 10.

They said he later left the clubhouse on foot.

“I was awakened by the sound of my kids screaming that there was somebody out in the backyard,” said Joe Carleton.

Carleton woke up around 3 a.m. Sunday to find a truck and 20-foot travel trailer belonging to his neighbors jack-knifed in his back driveway.

Apparently the driver, who deputies say was Senator John McGee, was trying to turn the rig around. Carleton’s sons then said the driver ran around the house and up and down the gravel road. Carleton found him in the back seat.

“He said he was looking for the promised land,” Carleton said. “He didn’t know where he was at. He was dazed and confused. He was in another world.”

The station adds that McGee’s blood-alcohol level was at 0.15, nearly twice the legal limit.

McGee has widely been considered a rising star in the Idaho GOP party. At 38-years-old, he’s the youngest member of the senate, but is already serving his fourth term. His website says he currently serves chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and was also tapped to serve on the Legislative Council and was named the 2006 Idaho State Republican Legislator of the Year. He’s currently the chair of the Republican Caucus – the fourth highest ranking Republican in the Senate.

McGee is married and has one daughter.

His arraignment is scheduled for today.

(H/T: HuffPo)

Comments (151)

1 2 3 4
  • Hiswill
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:19am

    Must be something in the water in WA. First Weiner, now McGee.

    Report Post » Hiswill  
  • The Gooch
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:11am

    Stick a fork in this fool, ’cause he is done. And because he deserves nothing less than having forks driven into his stupid, arrogant carcass.
    Defend at your own risk.

    Report Post »  
  • Donald
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:07am

    Out.

    Report Post » Donald  
  • TeaParty_InTheSky
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:04am

    what an idiot

    Report Post » TeaParty_InTheSky  
  • RonniBlueEyes
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:02am

    Read more closely people…he didn’t start drinking at 10 a.m. The article says “Ada County Sheriff’s Deputies said it all began Saturday night when McGee started drinking at a golf course at about 10.”

    Report Post »  
  • repup
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:59am

    Random drug test politicians, for the children.
    … but seriously, In this day and age there is no private side of a public life, best to live accordingly
    Liberal, can get away with murder, mostly
    cuz the press will blame conservatives for it

    Report Post »  
  • CameronIL
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:55am

    It had to be a Democratic plot by having a Pam Anderson look alike forcing booze and drugs down this poor innocent man and then the guy left the keys in the truck on purpose so Senator McGee could crash an burn. However, he would of got away except his high heels got caught on the accelerator causing a jackknife. Definitely sounds like a story from The Twilight Zone.

    Report Post » CameronIL  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:41am

    Have you ever seen anyone who drinks do a smart thing?

    Report Post »  
  • MR.CANADA
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:36am

    In B.C Canada we had a Premier Gordon Cambell (50 something year old),in 2002 or so he was in Hawaii,got caught totally drunk,going 80 mph in the wrong lane in a suv….he came back here,apologized and he even was re-elected..but there was no choice ..him or a far left government,so we took the drunk ! He was a libereral,but middle road and conservative economically..

    I only give people under 22 or so a pass for drunk driving,older than that they should know better,alot of young people try booze for the first time or so,do a stupid mistake and drive(most of the time binge drinkers and they have no clue what they are doing,blackout and such)..

    Back in the day my old man tells me as long as you could some what walk you were able to drive..pre-1980′s ! My uncle even got pulled over ,just had his park lights on,cops let him drive the next 20 miles home !! Dad said he got out of the car and was putting the car key in the house door,made alot of racket…oh yeah had a warning ticket for the headlights,so that proved his story !!They even used to go across the border and drink in the U.S get back in the car,drive through the border check and continued home,today you would be excecuted for doing that !!

    The good old days,people were more care-free ,now it seems they jump all over you and want to hang you from a tree for any mistake…Dont get me wrong NO politician should drive drunk,show his weiner ect….but every mistake people today want you to suffer and be excecuted

    Report Post »  
  • powhatan
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:35am

    sounds like much more than just alchohol….Prob should test his blood…either way…he should step down immediately…sound mind or not…

    Report Post » powhatan  
  • LastAmerican
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:32am

    Seriously? What the heck. You know maybe we shouldn’t use republicans and democrats anymore just polaticians. They should hold him as accountable as they held their weiner. Heh heh

    Report Post »  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:27am

    He needs to change parties and begin tweeting…….

    Report Post »  
  • Hleinir
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:23am

    Dear Idaho politicians,

    Stop embarrassing your constituents.

    Sincerely, one of your constituents

    Report Post » Hleinir  
  • JQCitizen
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:21am

    Kick a grandma:

    I agree that they should at minimum do other blood tests to ensure that this was all his act; -not because he is a Republican, but any time there is erratic behavior on the part of one of our elective officials. If you put together the “glittering” of politicians that have happened, with stories like this,it makes you realize how vulnerable ALL of our legislators are; ANY party.

    Also, I can’t resist: Speaking of golf, were John Boehner and the Prez sharing drinks? Someone better check where Boehner went from there.

    Report Post »  
  • ares338
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:15am

    All politicians have the potential to do this. After all they are all human. He should check himself into the dumbass ward!

    Report Post » ares338  
  • Ironeagle
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:13am

    He’s not a rising star now.

    Report Post » Ironeagle  
  • whereareyourbrains
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:06am

    He needs to resign now.

    Report Post » whereareyourbrains  
  • Bushie
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:00am

    He should go by way of the big Weiner.

    Report Post » Bushie  
  • Darla_K
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:57am

    Blame it on Obummer?

    Report Post » Darla_K  
  • whereareyourbrains
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:57am

    he needs to go to jail. He is no better than the average person.

    Report Post » whereareyourbrains  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:17am

      I agree makes no difference if he is a dem or repb. it’s time for him to go and past time for the elected officals to stop acting like teenagers

      Report Post »  
  • Skippy Toes
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:54am

    Have we had enough gang? Don’t care what party is involved.

    Report Post » Skippy Toes  
    • Nobamazone
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:00am

      I HAVE! Yes, enough… does not matter what party, I am sick of all these career politicians and their lawlessness!!!

      Report Post » Nobamazone  
    • Concerned1
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:06am

      That’s what I am saying. If someone acts like this, they should not serve. I don’t know how all these clowns get into office.

      Report Post »  
    • NJTMATO
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:07am

      I have had enough….a long time ago!!! I don’t care what party anyone is affiliated with…makes no difference to me. I would just like an honest, law abiding, God fearing leader. One who leads because it is his/her “calling” to do RIGHT for our country before God and one who will take responsibility for his actions and not blame it on the prior administration – even this lousy administration. Forward…not backward, Right…..not wrong and faithfully protect and defend our Constitution.

      Report Post » NJTMATO  
    • beckwill
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:25am

      God yes! Sick to death of it!!

      Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:53am

    Do you all remember many years back when girls were warned about drinking at parties because of the added drugs to the drinks, some of which could result in permanent brain damage? I’m talking about way before the date-rape drugs. Does anyone remember those days?

    I don’t know what caused this incident, and I am not dismissing what the man did, maybe of his own volition, but I do think it would be an opportune time for people in the government serving us as our reps or senators to stop drinking. It’s way too easy for someone to add ingredients to your drink/s, folks. And, the CONSERVATIVES are going to be the targets.

    Sorry for this man whatever the cause. Not good!

    Report Post »  
    • vennoye
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:36am

      Think you are absolutely right. Think it is time to pay attention to the first 2 words of this verse:
      1Peter 5:8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
      Sad to see people devoured.

      Report Post » vennoye  
    • NOTAMUSHROOM
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:49am

      I think you are correct Grandma. This happened to a friend and I one night a few years back. Also to several other people over a few weeks in our small town’s watering hole. By the grace of God, I did not die but my friend hit a brick wall on the way home.

      Don’t be so quick to judge people.

      Report Post »  
  • Aaron in Polk County
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:51am

    .15 aint noth’n…. Light weight.

    Report Post » Aaron in Polk County  
  • ILUVAMERICA
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:49am

    Bilderberg-Approved Perry Set to Become Presidential Frontrunner
    http://www.prisonplanet.com/bilderberg-approved-perry-set-to-become-presidential-frontrunner.html

    Report Post » ILUVAMERICA  
    • whereareyourbrains
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:04am

      Interesting article. I am leaning toward Ron Paul now that I read this article. (iloveamerica)

      Report Post » whereareyourbrains  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:25am

      Keep wakin‘ ’em up! This guy is a NWO plant.
      Betcha Dr. Ron Paul could never be bought. Bachmann same.

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:47am

    .
    Four LOCO Strikes again…….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • hersey10
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:51am

      He should just say he was hacked as his defense .

      Report Post » hersey10  
    • Ironmaan
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:53am

      Bye bye dumb ass.
      http://guerillatics.com

      Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:55am

      Charge him – Try him – Send him to jail. As for him being a Senator, this guy needs to admit his guilt, apologize and then resign. Immediately. Shameful behaviour.

      Report Post »  
    • Aaron in Polk County
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:55am

      If he was golfing at 10am…done ~2pm…. What did he do for the next 12 hours?

      Report Post » Aaron in Polk County  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:00am

      .
      I’m just thankful he was to drunk to TWEET HIS MEAT!!!!!

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:04am

      MIDWESTMOM, agreed, and the sooner the better. He is fortunate he didn’t find the Promised Land and take innocent people with him.

      Report Post »  
    • joe3
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:11am

      boy sounds like he was drugged, twice the legal limit is not that drunk. he probably needs to go, but this stinks. they need to take a good look at what was in the blood they took for the dwi. people get drugged at bars all the time, its common.
      “He didn’t know where he was at. He was dazed and confused. He was in another world.”
      does that sound like 5 beers to you? 0.15 blood? full grown man. there is much more to this story, i feel bad for this guy. i think it is likely that this is a medical problem or someone slipped drugs in his booze.

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:14am

      Anyone check to see if he was at a Beer Summit with Barry. Our Perp in Chief, fed him a roofie , rolled him, and sent him on his merry way. Or not.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:14am

      Actually, Ironmaan, that comment succintly says it all.

      Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:16am

      Hops and grain for breakfast? Makes for a long day.

      Report Post »  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:19am

      JOE3, hope the did a blood analysis. I wouldn’t put it past someone on the left stooping to such a low level in order to get rid of the guy. Question remains, why was he out drinking in the first place with a wife and child at home.

      Report Post »  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:20am

      @ joe3
      That was my first thought, too. Something doesn’t feel quite right about this.

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • ME
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:25am

      @joe3

      Yea that does not seem right .15 really is not ****** drunk. Somethings not right, drugs?? or drugged?? what ever, he is done now, republicans do not have the get out of jail free and get reelected cards that dems carry. I was just trying to be the next Ted Kennedy:)

      Report Post » ME  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:25am

      .
      Now if he had been wearing womens underwear w/ a dead goat in the trunk.
      He could star in The Hangover III….

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:45am

      ….he blew a .15 and did all this…wow what an amateur .. me thinks drugs were involved

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:46am

      If he has done this, they need to demand his resignation immediatly; to so endanger people is of the highest disregard and disrespect one could do.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Miguelito
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:47am

      Don‘t care if it’s Dems or Reps…right is right and wrong is wrong.

      Report Post »  
    • Professional Infidel
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:47am

      did he text him self to teenagers?? drunk is leagel, i was a drunk republican for awhile. and I didn’t text myself to hillaries aid, the porn star, or weiners wife, the princess.

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 8:52am

      GRANDMAOF5, I have to agree with you there, the fact is they need to have the blood alcohol levels for a solid case against him; especially if he attempts to use some kind of ‘immunity’ for being in his office during needed voting and such…our own governor of AZ is suppose to have gotten away with a DUI in that means when she was on the state senate member.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:02am

      @Ironmann

      Well put, blunt and right on the money.

      @Grandmaof5:

      Come and check out my newest at the gallery ANNA, just click my screename and it will take you to the first page…hope you like her.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • crackerone
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:10am

      He’s a rising star…….On the Jack Daniels Tour!

      Report Post »  
    • fastfacts
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:13am

      Why are the Republicans following the Democrat model? Democrats have been reported to be more corrupt than Republicans by 3:1 ratio. ( here is an old list of corrupt politicians in America: http://tiny.cc/g0qw6 )

      ( http://tiny.cc/e72os )

      Report Post »  
    • Mrtoohappy
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:18am

      Just goes to show you they are all dumb asses. Get them all out and start over.

      Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:22am

      @ Joe3
      “He didn’t know where he was at. He was dazed and confused. He was in another world.”
      does that sound like 5 beers to you? 0.15 blood? – Very possible. Drunk is a relative term. The same quantity of alcohol can have vastly different effects depending upon ones body chemistry.

      “i think it is likely that this is a medical problem…” – Maybe. But if so, I doubt this is the first time he’s had the same reaction. Or it could be a reaction between alcohol & a new med. Either way, by choosing to drink, he acted very irresponsibly.

      “or someone slipped drugs in his booze.” – Anything is possible. But chances are slim.

      It will be interesting to see what others who witnessed his drinking say.

      Report Post »  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:34am

      @midwestmom is absolutely correct – no special treatment for ‘ours’ – CHARGE HIM, TRY HIM, SEND HIM TO JAIL – IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION.

      ‘Nuf sed.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • NancyBee
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:49am

      another one bites the dust!

      Report Post » NancyBee  
    • BehindBlueEyes
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:50am

      He should say somebody hacked his drink and he suddenly felt the urge to find the promised land.
      It sounds like he got lost somewhere between munchkin land and emerald city.

      Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:52am

      Maybe a union bartender?

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:27am

      @ Professional Infidel

      “drunk is leagel, i was a drunk republican for awhile.”

      Are you still drunk? The guy was driving around his neighbor’s yard in a stolen vehicle. From the article is sounds like he blew a .15 after the wee hours of the morning. If he was drinking for the entire day, it’s not surprising that he was just coming down (but still twice the legal limit) before the sun came up. Drugs could have been involved and should be checked for, but never underestimate the danger of someone who is blacked out.

      I agree with most of the statements here.

      Report Post »  
    • 101
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:34am

      There’s a reason the label on the prescription bottle says “do not drink while taking this medication”.

      Report Post »  
    • Carl1 Supports Israel
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:42am

      Resign now you low life drunk!

      Report Post » Carl1 Supports Israel  
    • last frontier
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:51am

      Aaron in Polk County
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 7:55am

      If he was golfing at 10am…done ~2pm…. What did he do for the next 12 hours?
      ——————————————————————————————————————
      He drank.

      Report Post » last frontier  
    • JRook
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 11:07am

      Only the best and the brightest….

      Report Post »  
    • Bear
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 11:31am

      He could be wasted on that amount believe me! When you binge all weekend and don’t eat( They found the guy on Sunday) it doesn’t take that much alcohol when your dehydrated to keep the madness going! 6-8 shots on an empty stomach in the morning and off you go,,,your lit! Besides some time could have passed before test were done,,his alcohol blood level could have been higher earlier,,,I have seen how inefficient the cops and hospital can be for a routine alcohol bust and it can take hours,,,sometimes long enough for a person to get a lessor charge then they would have if they had been tested earlier,,,I don’t think that happened here,,I think he was binge drinking and doesn’t remember Friday or Saturday either!

      Report Post » Bear  
    • USAMama
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 11:58am

      Seriously? Is there nobody left with any integrity? Can’t we get representatives who obey the laws and act RESPONSABLE??? I am getting so fed up with these people!!

      Report Post » USAMama  
    • USAMama
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 12:21pm

      @ Professional Infidel

      “drunk is leagel, i was a drunk republican for awhile.”
      ————————————————————————

      Your right, it is legal to get drunk, but its not legal to drive while drunk, steal an SUV or crash it into a neighbors backyard.

      With your logic you belong in Congress!

      Report Post » USAMama  
    • Domandred
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 12:53pm

      .15 and acting like that? Seriously? Light weight.

      Report Post » Domandred  
    • ChillyinAlaska
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 2:26pm

      I’ll wait for the rest of the story. Seen it happen before, someone slips something into a drink and people go crazy. Like the date rape drug. Don’t know if this happened, but pretty irrational behavior for just drinking, and the BAC isn’t that high. Here in Alaska we have men who have that BAC sober….

      Report Post »  
    • mibble
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 2:43pm

      Maybe he could say, “Shia LaBeouf, Paris Hilton, Jamie Pressly, Michael Cabrera, Khloe Kardashian, Kiefer Sutherland, NY Giants’ Kareem McKenzie, Mel Gibson, Heather Locklear, Lionel “Little Train” James, Jim Leyritz, Bob Solarski, Former Quest CEO Jerry Cash, Lindsay Lohan, Yankees’ Joba Chamberlain, Halle Berry, Marion Barry, Louisville News Anchor John Boel, Broncos’ Brandon Marshall, Hip Hop Producer Johnny Jackson, Nicole Richie, Jason Shirley, Hip Hopper Webster Gradney, “Lost” Actor Daniel Dae Kim, Eric Carmen, Office Star Craig Robinson, NHL player Mark Bell, Angie Everhart, etc, etc, etc, did it.” A little celebrity never hurt a good defense.

      Report Post » mibble  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 2:44pm

      Another one bites the dust. Get out,,,,we want to improve our standards. We lead by example-too much for you then bye-bye.

      Report Post »  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 5:12pm

      If guilty resign.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • godhead
      Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:00pm

      What’s the big deal? It‘s not like he’s been calling hookers on his government phone from the floor of the Senate, or getting diapered by Bourbon Street hookers. That was Vitter. Hey, wait, why is he still in office? I thought Republicans forced creeps out immediately, like Ensign and Sanford . . .oh, wait again.

      Report Post »  
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