Rep. Rehberg in stable condition after boating crash

Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) was reported in stable condition Friday after a boating accident late Thursday night that left five people hospitalized, including state Sen. Greg Barkus.

{mosads}According to numerous reports, the group was aboard a 22-foot motorboat on Flathead Lake, near Wayfarers State Park near Helena, Mont., when the vessel slammed into the rocky shore.

Three members of the party had to be flown by helicopter to nearby Kalispell Regional Medical Center. The other two were transported by ambulance.

Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesman Tom Palmer told The Associated Press that the park was closed Friday to facilitate the crash investigation.

“Typically, what they will look into is the condition of the boat and try to determine the following: the speed at impact, who was driving, whether or not they had the proper number of life jackets on board — which would have been five — determine if they were wearing any, and determine who was driving, ” Palmer said.

Asked about whether drugs or alcohol were involved, Palmer replied, “Whether or not alcohol or drugs is involved is a routine part of such investigations.”

Rehberg was forced to cancel two previously scheduled town hall meetings. No word on whether they will be rescheduled.