Idaho Legislators Undergo Ethics Training

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Lawmakers underwent a half-day of ethics training in the wake of a series of high-profile lapses involving Idaho officials. Legislative leaders sent a strong message about Wednesday's session in the Capitol, with House Speaker Scott Bedke announcing attendance wasn't optional. Among other things, lawmakers were reminded by speakers including a former Iowa Legislature ethics committee chairman to actively cultivate a culture of ethics. Idaho lawmakers' ethics have been under scrutiny, of late.

Former Republican Sen. John McGee quit the chamber last year amid sexual harassment allegations. For years, there was lingering angst about how former Republican Rep. Phil Hart's refusal to pay his taxes reflected on the chamber. And in Washington, D.C., Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo was arrested before Christmas for drunken driving, heightening skepticism about public officials' behavior.