In Jennifer McKee's article (Sept. 29), Dennis McDonald accuses U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg of being drunk.

I am compelled to share my personal experience to refute the allegations of Rehberg's political opponent. I was with Rehberg in Lakeside shortly before the accident. I met Rehberg for the first time Thursday night. I have never contributed funds/services to Rehberg's, nor any, political campaign.

The Toby Stone Duo is very active in the Flathead Valley. We were entertaining the night of the boat accident. As an entertainer, it becomes readily apparent who is drinking and who is not.

I have more than 23 years' experience working with drug-and-alcohol addicted people. Additionally, I worked for more than 10 years at a drug and alcohol treatment center. I am trained to observe and monitor levels of intoxication.

Rehberg was not intoxicated. He did not smell of alcohol, his eyes clear and steady, his verbiage consistent. We spoke shortly before he boarded the boat. His speech was clear and articulate. As he walked down the dock, I observed him. His gait was steady, movements coordinated.

McDonald attempts to calculate Rehberg's blood-alcohol level at time of crash. McDonald alleges Rehberg was drunk. It is a well-known fact that body weight, length of time since last drink, amount of food eaten, metabolism rate and trauma are considerations. Due to injury, metabolism slows. Rehberg's body reacted to more pressing needs. This slowed the rate of alcohol detoxification. Rehberg's blood-alcohol level would have been dramatically reduced in the absence of trauma.

On the night of the boat accident, Rehberg has been erroneously portrayed as drunk. The fact is, I was there. It's not true. My heartfelt compassion goes out to Rehberg and his staff. They were injured passengers in an unforeseen calamity. I wish them speedy recovery.

Terry Brick, Kalispell