Daily News: No ‘Free Pass’ In School Zone

Idaho state Sen. John Goedde can expect some ribbing the next time he runs into one of his fellow lawmakers. He certainly deserves it. Goedde was the last person we expected to see speeding through a school zone after he sponsored a bill during the recent legislative session that ups the ante for anyone caught committing that particular faux pas. Yet he pleaded guilty to the crime and shelled out $141.50 in fines after being caught going 32 mph in a 20 mph zone earlier this year in Boise. In doing so, the Republican from Coeur d’Alene unwittingly proved the need for his legislation. Keeping children out of harm’s way is paramount for schools and the parents who send them there, and a slap on the wrist isn’t enough for those who don’t heed warnings to slow down in school zones/ Doug Bauer , Moscow-Pullman Daily News. More here

Question: Did Sen. Goedde defuse this embarrassing incident by owning up to it upfront and not making excuses? Or will it cost him politically at the polls, like the flap about “the bear” two years ago?