Item: Sen. McGee could face challenge to leadership job/Dan Popkey, Statesman, and: A humble McGee speaks out/Mike Butts, Idaho Press Tribune

Dennis Mansfield: I commend Senator McGee for recently meeting with the Press Tribune -- for surely he would eventually have to face his hometown paper -- his tone and content seem sincere and as re-countable as any person could muster under such an alcohol influence. Wanting to get it "behind him" may sound, to some, like a politically convenient thing to do as the session opens this week. I don't. I've worked with thousands of folks in the clutches of substance abuse. Taking a fierce inventory of who and where they are is vital to future health; moving past one's poor behavior is key. Moving towards complete sobriety is paramount. He can move forward, personally. He will also most likely be held accountable, publicly, by the voters for his actions. Both are needful for healing. More here.

Question: Do you think Sen. John McGree is truly doing soul-searching re: his bizarre DUI arrest last year -- or simply trying to save his political career?