Mont. lawmaker plans to finish term amid charges

HELENA, Mont. — State Sen. Greg Barkus said Thursday he plans to finish his Senate term if possible, even as he fights felony charges in a high-profile boat crash that injured Congressman Denny Rehberg and three other passengers.

Flathead County prosecutors filed charges Wednesday of criminal endangerment and two counts of negligent vehicular assault against Barkus, a Republican. Each charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Prosecutors allege Barkus’ blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit after the Aug. 27 crash that injured Rehberg, a Republican, two staffers and Barkus’ wife.

Barkus, through his attorney, has denied the claim that he was that drunk and said witnesses will testify he was not impaired.

Barkus suffered severe injuries himself, including a broken pelvis and ribs.

Still, he attended an interim committee assignment by teleconference just last week.

Barkus, whose second Senate term representing the Kalispell district expires at the end of next year, can’t run again due to term limits. He was first elected in 2003, and is currently the majority whip.

“I plan to finish my term if possible,” he told The Associated Press in an e-mail.

State law automatically forces out sitting lawmakers if they are convicted of a felony.

The 62-year-old, who has been a senior vice president and financial consultant at D.A. Davidson & Co., serves on the legislative interim audit committee and is one of two legislative liaisons to the Montana Board of Investments.

Senate President Bob Story has said the GOP caucus has no plans to meet again until before the start of the next regular session in January 2011, meaning Barkus remains in his leadership position.

The Park City Republican said Barkus’ tenure is an “issue between him and his constituents.”

Barkus made an initial appearance in Justice Court on Wednesday afternoon, and was released on his own recognizance under conditions, including that he not drink alcohol. Barkus is to be arraigned before District Judge Nels Swandal of Livingston. A date has not been set.