Idaho Senator Larry Craig resigned yesterday as the aftermath of his 'lewd conduct' in an airport toilet led to concern from his fellow Republicans that the scandal would dim their election prospects. "I apologize 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 a sex sting 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 misdemeanor 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 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 of a century and was up for re-election next year. "It is with sadness and deep regret that I announce it is my intention to resign from the Senate effective Sept. 30," Craig said, with his wife again at his side and Idaho Gov. C.L. "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 11th June 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 known location for homosexual activity. Craig opposes gay marriage and has a strong record against gay rights.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Sunday, 2nd September 2007 - 10:39am