Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo has issued a heartfelt apology after his arrest on charges of driving under the influence and says he is ready to accept the consequences.
“I am deeply sorry for the actions that resulted in this circumstance,” Crapo said in a statement.
“I made a mistake for which I apologize to my family, my Idaho constituents and any others who have put their trust in me. I accept total responsibility and will deal with whatever penalty comes my way in this matter.’’
Crapo also said he will take measures to “ensure that this circumstance is never repeated.”
The 61-year-old Republican, who is also a Mormon bishop, was released on a $1,000 bond and scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 4.
Crapo was arrested Sunday morning in Alexandria, Va., after he was pulled over for running a red light.
A police spokesman told Politico that Crapo failed a sobriety test, registering a blood alcohol level of .110. Drivers who register .08 or more are considered intoxicated.
Crapo, who was appointed a bishop in the Mormon church in 1982, previously told the Associated Press he abstains from alcohol as part of his faith.
In an editorial published Christmas Day, The Idaho Statesman said Crapo has “shown three things: That he is human, that he can make a mistake and that lemonade is not the strongest drink in his glass …
“Some of us here have known Crapo since his days as an up-and-coming state senator from Idaho Falls in the 1980s. We followed his rise to Senate president pro-tem, and his 20-year congressional career," said the Statesman.
“He has maintained a reputation of integrity and decency, which doesn’t always happen after so many years in high political office. One mistake does not erase an otherwise honorable career.’’
Now in his third term, Crapo has served on the Senate banking, housing and urban development committees. He co-chairs the Senate Nuclear Caucus and Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group.
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