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Senator quits over scandal
01/09/2007 21:14 - (SA)
Boise, Idaho - Idaho Sen Larry Craig resigned on Saturday following his arrest for soliciting sex from an undercover police officer in an airport bathroom, bowing to pressure from fellow Republicans worried about a scandal dimming their election prospects in 2008.
"I apologise for what I have caused," Craig said.
Craig's resignation completed a stunning downfall that began on Monday with the disclosure that he had pleaded guilty to a reduced charge following his arrest during an undercover police operation in a Minneapolis airport men's room.
Although leading members of his own party had called for him to step down, Craig steadfastly resisted resigning for days, contending that he had done nothing wrong and that his only mistake was pleading guilty to a misdemeanour charge.
Craig was defiant after the arrest and guilty plea were first reported. "I am not gay. I never have been gay," he declared on Tuesday, a day after his guilty plea became public, in Boise, Idaho, with his wife, Suzanne, at his side. He said he had kept the incident from aides, friends and family and later pleaded guilty "in hopes of making it go away".
Craig, 62, has represented Idaho in Congress for more than a quarter-century and was up for re-election next year. He had not said if he would run for a fourth term in 2008 and was expected to announce his plans this fall.
Strong record against gay rights
"It is with sadness and deep regret that I announce it is my intention to resign from the Senate effective September 30," Craig said, with his wife again at his side and Idaho Gov CL "Butch" Otter standing behind him.
"For any public official at this moment in time to be standing with Larry Craig is in itself a humbling experience," Craig said.
Craig was arrested on June 11 in a police undercover vice operation in a men's room at the Minneapolis airport. The arresting officer, Sgt Dave Karsnia, said in his report that the restroom is a known location for homosexual activity.
Republicans, worried about the scandal's effect on next year's election, suffered a further setback on Friday when veteran Republican Sen John Warner announced he will retire rather than seek a sixth term. Democrats captured Virginia's other Senate seat from the Republicans in the 2006 election.
Otter said on Saturday he has not chosen a replacement, although several Republicans familiar with internal deliberations said he favoured Republican Lt Gov Jim Risch. He called speculation that he has made a choice "dead wrong".
Otter, a Republican, declined to say when he would fill the seat.
Craig opposes gay marriage and has a strong record against gay rights. He was a leading voice in the Senate on gun issues and Western lands.
He chaired the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and was a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, where he was adept at securing federal money for Idaho projects.
- AP
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