Idaho GOP state Sen. McGee resigns amid scandal

[February 23, 2012]  BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- An Idaho Republican state senator who had been seen as a political riser has stepped down amid sexual harassment allegations.

Four-term state Sen. John McGee's resignation capped a political free-fall that began last year with a Father's Day arrest.

The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to drunken driving in a deal that erased accompanying auto theft charges in that case. McGee served jail time and paid restitution for a stranger's vehicle that he damaged.

McGee's reputation was further damaged over the summer when The Associated Press reported that records showed he had been making questionable per diem claims that amounted to about $6,000 annually.

McGee submitted his resignation letter Wednesday but did not acknowledge wrongdoing.

Neither details of the claims against McGee made by a young woman on his staff, nor her identity were made public.

[Associated Press; By JOHN MILLER]

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