In a lengthy statement released after his court appearance, Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo apologized to his constituents for his lapse of judgment that led to his Dec. 23 arrest for drunken driving in Alexandria, Va., a suburb of Washington, D.C.

"I offer my apologies, ask for your forgiveness for my recent failings and I make a firm commitment that I will strive to regain the trust that I have lost,” the statement read.

The senator then explains his actions: "I have on occassion had alcoholic drinks in my apartment in Washington, D.C. It was a poor choice to use alcohol to relieve stress - and one at odds with my personally-held religious beliefs."

See the full statement below:

Would you say the state of Idaho is accountable? If you thought yes, your opinion would not match the score of a recent integrity investigation. The state ranks #40 in the nation, or a D- if you want to go by the letter grading system. The Center for Public Integrity released new data yesterday that examines state politics and just how dirty it gets.

Idaho ranks in the same level as many other sparsely-populated states in the nation like Wyoming and the Dakotas. The watchdog group says the honest belief that “everybody knows everybody” has overridden the perceived need for strong protections in law.

They also cite libertarianism roots, that small-town and neighborly approach to government. A lack of transparency is also to blame. Idaho has no financial disclosure requirements for lawmakers and executive branch officials.

Legislation approved by Idaho state senators on Thursday would “toughen up” on bullies in Idaho public schools. This would apply to 115 school districts statewide.

If passed by the House, the legislation would require schools to go through professional training on bullying and how to intervene if they witness a student being harassed, including cyber-bullying.

The floor sponsor, Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, says the measure fosters a safe learning environment across the state and addresses an issue gaining national attention: youth suicides.

One opponent of the bill, Sen. Sheryl Nuxoll, R-Cottonwood, wonders if they’re "making a mountain out of a molehill". 

The measure passed in the Senate 25-8.