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.

New legislation has been signed into law by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter. A $5 million plan could help grow Idaho’s economy with $5 million that bolsters university research and businesses.

The legislation ties in with his Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission, IGEM, intended to get new research at Idaho universities into the commercial markets sooner.

Starting June 1st of this year, the legislation puts $1 million toward grants for start-up businesses and tech, while $2 million goes to Center for Advanced Energy Studies and $2 million to each Idaho research university.

The legislation passed on March 6th with 30 ayes and 4 nays.

Online Document: House Bill 546 is available for reading online at the legislature’s website, which also shows the history and votes on the bill.