Sen. Craig Announces Resignation

BOISE, ID -- Republican Idaho Senator Larry Craig resigns from the Senate following his arrest and guilty plea for soliciting sex from a police officer in a public restroom at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in June.

The embattled senator announced Saturday morning that he is resigning from the Senate effective Sept. 30.

"The people of Idaho deserve a senator who can devote 100 percent of his time and effort to the critical issues of our state and of our nation," said Craig, speaking outside the historic Boise Depot in Idaho's capital city.

"Therefore it is with sadness and deep regret that I announce that it is my intent to resign from the Senate, effective September 30th."

Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho) was arrested June 11 at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for "lewd conduct." According to the arrest report, Craig tried to solicit sex with a plainclothes police officer in a public restroom.

The arresting officer alleged that Craig lingered outside a rest room stall where the officer was sitting, then entered the stall next door and made signals which the officer said he recognized "as a signal used by persons wishing to engage in lewd conduct."

Craig pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct in the Hennepin County District Court on August 8 and paid more than $500 in fines and fees. A 10-day jail sentence was stayed. He also was given one year of probation.

However, Craig later said he regret his guilty plea, "At the time of this incident, I complained to the police that they were misconstruing my actions. I should have had the advice of counsel in resolving this matter. In hindsight, I should not have pled guilty. I was trying to handle this matter myself quickly and expeditiously."

Craig's voting record on gay and lesbian issues made him a star among conservative groups such as the American Family Association, Concerned Women for America and the Family Research Council, and equally hated among gay rights groups.

- He voted YES on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
- He voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
- He voted NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)
- He voted YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage. (Sep 1996)
- He voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996).