Idaho Sen. Crapo says he is “swearing off alcohol”

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Michael Crapo says he is "swearing off alcohol" after pleading guilty to driving while intoxicated. The Idaho Republican was ordered to pay a $250 fine and complete an alcohol safety program on Friday. He also agreed to a 12-month suspension of his driver's license for his Dec. 22 arrest in Alexandria, Va.

In a conference call with reporters after the hearing, Crapo said he tried alcohol for the first time about a year ago, in a misguided attempt to relieve stress. He said he'd been drinking a few nights a week in violation of the tenets of his Mormon faith. He says he will take the appropriate measures for forgiveness and repentance. Crapo says on the night of his arrest, he had had several vodka tonics before becoming restless and going for a drive.