What allegation is McGee facing?

The accusation of sexual harassment involves a legislative employee, who is an adult, said Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill. The attorney general is reviewing the case, said Hill, R-Rexburg.

“Sen. John McGee does not admit any wrongdoing,” Hill said Wednesday.

When did the alleged harassment occur?

Since January, when the 2012 Legislature began, said Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls.

Is this the only allegation?

McGee had not previously been accused of anything of a similar nature, Davis said.

When did Senate leaders find out?

Hill said he and Davis were advised Saturday of a confidential allegation. On Monday, Secretary of the Senate Jennifer Novak urged the woman to report the claims to Hill. Later that day, Hill, Davis and Novak met with the woman, who reported the alleged misconduct to the leaders. No other details about the allegation or victim have been made public. Hill asked “all parties” to respect the privacy of the staffer: “This is an extremely difficult time for her.”

What did Senate leaders do?

Hill said he told McGee that he would convene an ethics committee to investigate if McGee did not resign. Shortly after noon Wednesday, Hill said, McGee hand-delivered a letter of resignation, writing, “It has been my pleasure and my honor to serve the citizens of District 10 in the Idaho State Senate for the past eight years. I appreciate and am grateful for the opportunity and treasure the association with you and our colleagues.” McGee also sent Gov. Butch Otter a resignation letter.

Hill and Davis said the attorney general’s review will continue even though McGee has resigned. Davis, a lawyer, said he could not comment on whether criminal conduct could be ruled out.

“In this situation, my first priority is to ensure a safe, secure and professional work environment for Senate employees,” Hill said. “My second priority is to protect the integrity and institution of the Idaho State Senate.”

What did Senate leaders say?

After a 30-minute caucus with the 27 Senate Republicans, Davis described his feelings in one word: “Heartsick.”

Said Hill: “We also express our compassion to John McGee's family, most particularly his wife.”

What did McGee say?

He could not be reached for comment. He was absent from the Senate floor session Wednesday, missing a vote on a landowner hunting bill that died on a 17-17 vote.

What happens now?

Gov. Butch Otter will select someone to complete the last 10 months of McGee’s term.

The Canyon County District 10 Republican precinct committee will have 15 days to provide Otter with three possible replacements for McGee’s seat. Otter will have 15 days to choose from them, meaning the seat could be open for the remainder of the legislative session.

What will the Senate do about McGee’s leadership post?

The GOP caucus will hold a closed-door meeting to elect a new caucus chairman. McGee had been the No. 4 leader in the Senate. Hill said that vote would be held within a week or so.

How did McGee get into trouble last year?

McGee was arrested on Father’s Day for DUI and a felony charge for stealing an SUV and crashing it in a driveway near his parents’ home in Meridian. In a plea bargain just 12 days after his arrest, McGee pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DUI, sparing him a felony conviction that would have forced him from the Senate. He paid about $12,000 restitution for damage he did to the SUV, a trailer and a swing set.

Didn’t the Senate just vote to keep McGee?

Yes. After McGee’s tearful apology behind closed doors, his Republican colleagues voted Jan. 11 to retain him in leadership. But nine of the 28 Republicans took the rare step of breaking caucus secrecy nine days later, issuing a statement saying they had wanted him out of leadership. Later, Hill said there had been more than nine votes to remove McGee, who began his career as an aide to former Gov. Dirk Kempthorne.

What did Democrats say?

In a statement, the state party called the resignation “appropriate.”

“The veracity of the claim against McGee is yet to be fully evaluated. However, he has already provided high-profile proof of his lack of judgment with his arrest over the summer of drunk driving, stealing a vehicle and questionable claims on his legislative per diem payments.”

Larry Grant, chairman of the Idaho Democratic Party said, “For the sake of the Senate, we are thankful that McGee has stepped down today. I am glad that GOP leadership has finally accepted that something must be done to turn around the culture that has rooted itself in the Statehouse.”

Dan Popkey: 377-6438