Pro-Business Lobbyist on Leave after Criticizing Email to Lawmaker

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The head of Idaho's pro-business lobby has been placed on temporary leave after sending a profanity-laden email criticizing a state senator and suggesting the group introduce retaliation legislation.

The Idaho Statesman reports the board of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry made the decision regarding President Alex LaBeau on Thursday. In his email sent Jan. 13, LaBeau blasted Sen. Jeff Siddoway for saying he would block any legislation to lower taxes unless lawmakers approved raising beginning teacher pay to $40,000 a year.

LaBeau used multiple expletives in his email while describing Siddoway as "completely irrelevant." In Thursday's statement, the board wrote that LaBeau was placed on leave after hearing concerns from the lobby's members. LaBeau has been the lobby's president since 2006.