Charges Take Gop Legislators By Surprise Republicans Express Shock, Plan No Action Against Furness Yet

Republican officials say they plan no disciplinary action now against Rigby Sen. Rex Furness, who has been charged with a felony count of sexual battery on a minor.

The party was shaken following news Wednesday that Furness was charged in Madison County District court. The charge says the 72-year-old legislator touched the breasts of a teenage girl, both inside and outside her clothes.

The incidents are said to have occurred several times between July 4, 1995, and April 17, 1996, according to the charge.

The alleged battery is said to involve Furness’ teenage adopted granddaughter.

Furness was released on $20,000 bond. No arraignment or preliminary hearing has been scheduled.

Furness’ legislative colleagues expressed shock and dismay.

“He’s a wonderful person,” said Sen. Sheila Sorensen, R-Boise. “You certainly never see any signs of this up in the Legislature. He’s just up there working.”

Sen. Jerry Twiggs, R-Blackfoot, said Furness’ behavior has been “above reproach” during his eight years in the Senate. As a result, the Senate is planning no disciplinary action against Furness.

“At this point in time, I’m certainly going to give Sen. Furness the benefit of the doubt,” said Twiggs.

In the short term, the political implications for Furness may be minimal. He currently faces no challenge in the primary.

His name will appear on the May 28 ballot, whether he steps down or stays in the race. Furness could formally withdraw after the primary, allowing Republican leaders in District 26 to place a new name on the ballot for the November general election.

No Democrat has filed to run in the overwhelmingly Republican District 26, but the party will pursue a write-in candidate, regardless of what Furness decides, Democratic spokesman Ryan Hill said Thursday.