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Monday, Dec 24, 2012 7:57 PM UTC

Idaho’s Crapo had image as Mormon teetotaler

The Republican was arrested and charged with a DUI

By , Associated Press

Topics: From the Wires, Mike Crapo, Idaho, DUI, Republican Party, Mormonism,

Idaho's Crapo had image as Mormon teetotaler (Credit: AP Photo/Matt Cilley)

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — When U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (KRAY’-poh) sponsored a 2010 bill to cut taxes on small brewers, he said he did so for pro-business, not pro-beer reasons.

A Mormon, the Idaho Republican told The Associated Press at the time that he abstains from alcohol, and he pledged to have a root beer to celebrate if the bill passed.

Crapo’s arrest Sunday in a Washington, D.C., suburb on suspicion of drunken driving contradicts his public persona as a teetotaling member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church bar members from using alcohol, as well as coffee, tea and some other substances.

In a statement, Crapo has taken responsibility and pledged to ensure “this circumstance is never repeated.”

Colleagues say they’re surprised the three-term Republican is in this situation. But Idaho’s junior U.S. Sen. Jim Risch offered his support, saying Crapo made a mistake and has apologized.

More By John Miller.

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