John McGee was an Idaho state senator who was offered a choice between facing a states ethics panel or resigning after being accused of sexual harassment. He chose to resign.
He’s kind of a “and then there is more” sort of character. He was first elected to the state senate in 2004, winning the primary and thus the election since Democrats did not run a candidate in any of the elections. But things went awry. In 2011, he went to a golf tournament where he got really drunk, stole an SUV and cargo trailer from a complete stranger and in an accident, got it stuck in someone’s yard. His blood alcohol was .15, nearly twice the legal limit of .08. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DUI in a deal that got the vehicle theft charges dropped. He had 180 days jail sentence, with 175 days suspended.
And then there’s more.
The AP reported that he was taking $122 per diem to defray the cost of a residence in Boise, but he was staying at his parents’ house is Boise for free. Most legislators close to Boise claim a smaller $49 per diem
In 2012, he was accused by a staffer of locking her in his office while he made graphic sexual overtures. With his previous legal troubles, he didn’t have much good will, hence the offer to resign or face the ethics panel. The Attorney General is also investigating the claims. The aide was reassigned and given paid leave. Because he did this while on a suspended sentence, he was sentenced to 44 days in jail for his probation violation.
And then there’s more. In spite of his criminal record and the sexual harassment claim, he ran for Caldwell City Council and was elected. His run for mayor in 2021 was unsuccessful.
And then there’s more. I just have to share the 2019 Idaho State Journal just in case anyone wonders why there is no accountability for these predators.
- Herald.Net: Idaho GOP Senator quits on sexual harassment allegations
- Idaho Press: A Timeline of harassment claims against Sen. John McGee
- Idaho State Journal: John McGee makes life fixes where they count
The Times-News
Twin Falls, Idaho · Wednesday, September 26, 2012