Sen. Craig vows to remain in office for term

updated 7:56 p.m. ET Oct. 4, 2007

MINNEAPOLIS - Idaho Sen. Larry Craig lost a bid Thursday to withdraw his guilty plea in a men’s room sex sting but defiantly vowed to finish his Senate term, prolonging a headache for Republican leaders already facing a tough political climate.

Craig had announced plans to resign his seat by Sept. 30 but wavered when he went to court in hopes of withdrawing his plea. He issued a statement Thursday on staying in the Senate shortly after Republican Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter relayed word that he had selected a replacement for Craig in the event of a vacancy.

“I have seen that it is possible for me to work here effectively,” Craig said in a written statement that disappointed fellow Republicans who have urged him to step down. Craig, 62, said he will not seek a fourth term in November 2008.

“He is ready to act should we receive a letter of resignation,” said Jon Hanian, Otter’s spokesman.

Craig said in his statement: “I will continue my effort to clear my name in the Senate Ethics Committee — something that is not possible if I am not serving in the Senate.”

Senate ethics panel reviewing case
The bipartisan ethics panel has already signaled it is reviewing details of Craig’s case, a step requested by Senate Republican leaders. His decision to stay and fight raises the strong possibility of public hearings — almost certain to be televised — centered on the issue of gay sex.

Senate Republicans made clear they wish Craig would leave office and let them forget the episode that has fueled jokes on late-night television for weeks. Idaho is likely to remain in the GOP column after next year’s election, but Craig’s insistence on finishing his term was received frostily by colleagues.

“Senator Craig gave us his word” that he would resign by Sept. 30 if he could not overturn the guilty plea, said Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., who chairs the GOP campaign committee overseeing next year’s Senate elections. “I wish he would stick to his word.

“It’s embarrassing for the Senate, it’s embarrassing for his party,” Ensign said. Asked if Craig staying would be a distraction for the party, Ensign said: “It may be a personal distraction for me.”

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky — who called Craig’s actions “unforgivable” when they first became public — had little to say Thursday. “That whole matter is before the Senate Ethics Committee and will be dealt with by Senator Craig and the Ethics Committee,” he told reporters.

Men's room incident
Craig was arrested June 11 in a men’s room in the Minneapolis airport by an undercover officer. The officer, Sgt. Dave Karsnia, said Craig had exhibited behavior consistent with seeking a sexual encounter.

His arrest and guilty plea were reported Aug. 27 by Roll Call.

In his ruling Thursday, Hennepin County Judge Charles Porter wrote: “Because the defendant’s plea was accurate, voluntary and intelligent, and because the conviction is supported by the evidence ... the defendant’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea is denied.”

Craig said he had panicked when arrested and pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct because an Idaho newspaper had been aggressively investigating allegations that he was gay. Craig says he is not gay.

Porter rejected that as a good reason to withdraw the plea. Any pressure Craig was under “was entirely perceived by the defendant and was not a result of any action by the police, the prosecutor, or the court,” he wrote.

Craig’s lawyer, Billy Martin, issued a statement saying his client was considering whether to appeal the ruling.

“Senator Larry Craig maintains that he is innocent and there is insufficient evidence to support a finding that he is guilty,” Martin said. “Thus, we renew our arguments that it is manifestly unjust to deny Senator Craig’s request to withdraw his guilty plea. Senator Craig continues his steadfast denial that any inappropriate behavior took place at the airport.”

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