House Speaker Lawerence Denney told the Idaho Press Club today, “I think we're at the point where we're ruling out the independent ethics commission.” A bipartisan House-Senate working group couldn't reach agreement, and there were separation of powers issues with the question of whether a commission could oversee both the legislative and executive branches, Denney said. However, both Denney and Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill said they still expect some moves toward ethics reforms in this year's legislative session, including, at the very least rules changes in both houses adjusting how ethics committees work and requiring annual ethics training for lawmakers/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here.

Question: Are you surprised that early ethics push by Legislature apparently has fizzled out?

A former Las Vegas TV reporter turned anti-drinking crusader received pledges from 13 Idaho lawmakers over the Christmas weekend that they will abstain from drinking during the 2012 session. Scott Andrus, 50, of Twin Falls, sent the solicitation to all 105 lawmakers on Dec. 23, receiving 17 responses. Four lawmakers replied with equivocal answers. Wrote Andrus: “I humbly ask that you pledge that no beverage alcohol will pass your lips during the 2012 legislative session. Please remain sober as you conduct the affairs of state.” Most of the pledges were quite brief, such as that from Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls: “I promise.” Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg: “No problem”/Dan Popkey, Statesman. More here.

Question: Do you want Idaho legislators to take a sobriety oath?

HucksOnline isn't surprised that no Democrat makes StateImpact's list of Top 5 most influential Idaho legislators. The superminority Democrats have little clout in the state Capitol. But no North Idaho legislators made the list either — not even Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint — who should get an honorable mention, at least. Oh well, article by Emilie Saunders Ritter about Brent Hill, Lawerence Denney, & three other friends worth the read as we all prepare for 2012 version of legislative Keystone Kops. Click here.

Question: Do you agree with this list of Top 5 legislators?

The new leader of the Idaho Senate, Republican Brent Hill of Rexburg, has developed a generally broad respect among Idaho legislature-watchers. He seems, based on his statements and initiatives, to be relatively non-ideological and willing to work with unexpected allies. That’s a broader picture than you might have expected from this year’s round of leadership races, with the Senate top job open for choice/Randy Stapilus, Ridenbaugh Press. More here. (And: Idaho’s Senate leaders won’t rubber-stamp House conservatives/Dan Popkey, Idaho Statesman)

• Unemployment benefits are insurance/Adam’s Blog
• Slow political end of Sarah Palin/Dennis Mansfield
• Shooting the messenger/Fort Boise
• Idaho’s most notorious export/43rd State Blues
• Jilted by TSA/Idaho Conservative Blogger
• Legislative shake-up: Who gained/lost power/Kevin Richert
• EPA Region 7 director, Simpson likely to cross paths/Rocky Barker
  

Question: Which house of the Idaho Legislature will you look toward for leadership in 2011 — House or Senate?

What to do if you’re a Republican politician on a Wednesday night, when two big events are in town? Do you listen to newly minted Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele? Or do you take in the Boise State-Idaho basketball game? To see how Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee Chairman Brent Hill of Rexburg voted, check out photo #10 in this Statesman photo gallery. Considering the finish of last night’s game, I’m not going to second-guess Hill/Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman. More here.

• Private prisons in Idaho/Unequivocal Notion
• Not an easy thing to do or say/Randy Stapilus
• It’s already broke, don’t break it any more/F-Words
• Facists are on the move/2C Etc.
• Guns, parks, etc./Free In Idaho!

Question: What would you do if you happened to be a high-profile elected official confronted with the choice of watching the UI/Boise State basketball game or hearing national Republican Chairman Michael Steele?