Via Fox:
WASHINGTON — Idaho Sen. Larry Craig will resign from the Senate Saturday after pressure from fellow Republicans to step down after an arrest in a men’s room sex sting, Republican officials said Friday.
Craig decided to resign with plans to make the announcement on Saturday, the Associated Press reported.
Craig will hold a news conference in Boise on Saturday, his spokesman, Dan Whiting said, but he would not say whether the three-term senator planned to step down. Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, however, appeared to have settled on a successor: Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, according to several Republicans familiar with internal deliberations.
More links and speculation can be found here.
Sat PM Update: As expected, Craig announced today that he will resign - effective 9/30.
Well he could always get re-hired as a DhimmicRat and off set the votes by certain confused Republicants. Then at least his allegedly deviant behavior will be largely overlooked, EXCEPT for it being rewarded!
Comment by forest hunter @ 8/31/2007 - 6:47 pm
I think that Senator Larry Craig should resign immediately for the benefit of his family and secondly for the good of the Republican Party. Whatever degree of guilt is his in this whole affair, there is nothing, even proven innocense, that can remove the taint on his career or the damage done to his family. I would hope that the men who are engaged in illegal/illicit behavior take note of the ripple effect that ensues from their lack of sexual self control and their self indulgence, whether gay or straight. The fact that democrats generally get a pass on such behavior does not matter at all where families are concerned. Bill Clinton did far worse than Craig, while holding the highest governing position in the world. We expected him to be gone within several days after his lying was exposed but he stayed on until the furor decreased. He thus paved the way for Hillary to become a senator and a presidential candidate. There is certainly hypocracy in the way a Republican is dealt with as compared to any democrat in a similar situation but we already know that so it is almost a non issue with our party, we just have to deal with reality. I cannot imagine the humiliation and confusion that the Craig family is experiencing and I am sincerely sorry for their ordeal and will remember them in my prayers.
Comment by ruth @ 8/31/2007 - 7:55 pm
NSA domestic surveillance of conversation between Larry Craig and William Jefferson:
Craig: Hey man - What’s the haps?
Jefferson: I’m sorry. Who is this?
Craig: We “hooked” up last weekend - you don’t remember me?
Jefferson: Man, you better stay the hell away from me now - you are too hot.
Craig: Thanks - I think you are hot too.
Jefferson: No man - I mean I don’t like you and you are dangerous to talk to.
Craig: oh… well… I just wanted advice on how to handle the situation I’m in.
Jefferson: Change your party affiliation….
Craig: But I’m in Idaho.
Jefferson: Move to New York like Hillary did - or California. Trust me we’ll accept you. We tolerate all crimes including rape, perjury, and murder. Just as long as you vote the way we want you.
Craig: so.. the ends really do justify the means… Look, I have issues but I don’t know if I can sign up for that kind of future. I’ll just step down today. Goodbye.
Comment by Baklava @ 8/31/2007 - 8:23 pm
I’m torn on the resignation aspect as this argument. I agree with nearly all of what ruth stated but would offer a slight wording alteration here:
to say people (not men only) instead.
As to the resignation portion, I will likely never be viewed as much of an appeaser and this is IMO largely just that and that alone. (No amount of red meat to the vermin left will satisfy their cravings or improve their lot in life.) What about the job he is/has been doing? His qualifications and accomplishments?
Comment by forest hunter @ 8/31/2007 - 8:25 pm
BAK!!!
Comment by forest hunter @ 8/31/2007 - 8:55 pm
He did the right thing by resigning but I agree that the press can take a story, any story especally if it involves a conservative and shove it down our throats 24/7 and I was getting so sick of hearing about this pitiful closeted man. I too, feel such sorrow for his poor wife and kids, what they must have been going through when the msm was covering this every second of the last days. Can you imagine?
I’m sure the msm will now cover hill’s funny money -NOT GONNA HAPPEN, wonder why??????
Comment by Drewsmom @ 8/31/2007 - 9:19 pm
FH, I am afraid that it is Republican men that the democrats and the media single out for special scrutiny but you are correct that it is a people problem, not a gender one. I support Craig’s resignation because it gives the Republican party an advantage going into the election year with an electable incumbent in the senate seat. There is no way of course to appease the democrats but they won’t be able get much nourishment feeding off a scandal that has run it’s course. I believe that Craig has done a good job as Senator and that makes his self destruction the more deplorable.
Comment by ruth @ 8/31/2007 - 9:46 pm
I only wish that Craig had pleaded not guilty, then he might have a chance. I remember reading a transcript of the police interview and at one point the detective said that if Craig cooperated he would not go to jail. That is a BIG no-no. That’s basically coercion and Craig would have had a very good case to get the confession thrown out.
I’m very surprised that the detective said that. They teach that stuff in day one of the academy, literally!!
However, Craig made his bed and now he must lay in it. He is doing the right thing by stepping down.
Comment by NC Cop @ 8/31/2007 - 11:55 pm
I haven’t read the facts as you have NC. I presume the alleged action is not alleged anymore.
Comment by forest hunter @ 9/1/2007 - 12:03 am
Buh Bye Larry. So long.
Next time you want to “take a walk on the wild side” enter a float in the gay pride parade like the democrat politicians do. A move like that will get you some votes.
Comment by CZ @ 9/1/2007 - 11:55 pm
CZ, get most conservatives just don’t really wanna walk on the wild side and I’m glad they don’t.
Comment by Drewsmom @ 9/2/2007 - 8:11 am