posted 01/20/12 04:45 PM | updated 01/23/12 09:47 PM
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BOISE -- A group of Republican senators are looking to clarify their position on the senate's decision last week to allow Sen. John McGee to maintain his leadership role as Caucus Chairman.


In a joint statement released Friday, nine Republican senators said that while Sen. McGee is their friend and colleague, they would like to uphold the integrity of the institution. They also say the reason they issued the statement was because they felt that there was a perception that the voting to keep Senator McGee in his position was a unanimous one. These Senators spoke out to make it clear there was a descending vote.

The senators are Russ Fulcher of Meridian, Monty Pearce of New Plymouth, Chuck Winder of Boise, Dean Mortimer of Idaho Falls, Steve Vick of Dalton Gardens, Shirley McKague of Meridian, Lee Heider of Twin Falls, Mitch Toryanski of Boise, and Sheryl Nuxoll of Cottonwood.

Part of the statement reads, "Our constituents expect us to stand up for the convictions, principles and values we have said we represent and for which our constituents represent; and our constituents deserve to be reassured that their confidence in us is not misplaced."

"We believe that the best way for both of these objectives to be achieved would have been for Sen. McGee to be removed from his leadership role.  Last Wednesday in the majority caucus meeting, we voted accordingly.  However, on this vote we were in the minority."

Assistant Majority Chair Chuck Winder and Senator Russ Fulcher - who spoke to the media on behalf of the group - wanted to make it clear that although they disagreed with the outcome of the vote they still stand behind it.

"I believe that the best thing for Senator McGee would have been to step down, to kind of shift that spotlight, and exhibit a willingness to step down, in order for him and for his future in public service," says Fulcher.

Senator McGee issued this statement Friday in response:


"No one is more disappointed by the mistake I made last June than me.  I am solely responsible for my actions. I am humbled daily by the support I have received from my constituents, my colleagues and most importantly my family.  I look forward to now working with my colleagues to address the important issues facing the citizens of state of Idaho."


Senate Republicans met last week to decide whether McGee would retain the Majority Caucus Chair.  Two hours after the meeting began, the majority voted in favor of McGee keeping his position.

The senators that issued the statement Friday said that they did not do this behind Senator McGee's back - saying they have had several face to face discussions about this issue.



 

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