09/01/2007
GOP Officials: Larry Craig to Resign from Senate
Idaho Senator Larry Craig will resign his seat at 10:30 am today at a press conference at the Boise Train Depot, according to reports:
"Through intermediaries and unusually harsh public statements and actions, party officials made it clear they wanted Craig to quit before Congress returned from its summer recess next week, hoping to quickly conclude an embarrassing episode that threatened to complicate an already difficult election cycle for Senate Republicans. Republican Party officials said Friday evening that they had been notified of Craig's intention to give up his seat as of Sept. 30 and that Governor C. L. Otter, a Republican, would name a replacement."
The loss of leadership committee positions also means Idaho stands to lost influence and millions in federal funds, according to the Associated Press.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 12:56 AM EST by Andy in Crime, Idaho, Larry Craig, News | Permalink
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I've been following the coverage of this story and was wondering who leaked the Craig arrest information to Roll Call....and why.
It makes a good parlor game.
The arrest happened in June, but it did not break then. So, that means that the Police - and Karsnia pointedly comments that he doesn't talk to the press - did not do it.
The conviction was in early August and it didn't get reported then either. So that probably excludes the Courts too.
So, who else knew? And why go to Roll Call, of all places?
Is it someone in Idaho who wanted to cover their tracks and not talk to the Idaho Statesman? Since it was already pursuing this angle, it would be logical to have them break this story.
Is it someone in DC? If so, why not go to the Post and get bigger coverage?
The people most aware of Roll Call work on the Hill. Would a staffer in his office have leaked the story? And why put your own job at risk, in case of resignation?
Was it a Democrat who wanted to smear a Republican and get more dirt on the GOP?
Was it a Republican who could take advantage of a Craig resignation to move up?
Was it someone straight who was upset about the morality of his actions?
Was it someone gay who was angry about the hypocrisy of Craig's voting history?
Was it someone who opposed Craig's legislative agenda, i.e. immigration?
Was it someone in Craig's past who had an axe to grind?
In his follow-up to the Police on 6/11, Craig comments that he wants a contact name, so that his lawyer can follow up. (Disputing his claim that he didn't contact an attorney at the time.) So, what attorney knew about this?
It's like a murder mystery. Who had the motive and opportunity? Who gains from this?
Posted by: gr8guyca | Sep 1, 2007 3:19:19 AM
probably his wife, there you have it, mystery solved.
Posted by: johnosahon | Sep 1, 2007 5:43:58 AM
Does anyone else see the irony in the location for this announcement? I think his handlers should have suggested that he avoid the train station for this announcement. For someone who is "not gay" he seems to know where all of the notorious tea rooms are.
Voet
Posted by: Voet | Sep 1, 2007 7:29:01 AM
They wanted to do the announcement at a truck stop but could not get the Highway Patrol to close down the Interstate in time.
Posted by: patrick nyc | Sep 1, 2007 9:09:50 AM
Why isn't Vitters asked to resign?
Posted by: Tintin Malfoy | Sep 1, 2007 10:08:18 AM
Tintin Malfoy:
Simple. David "Diaper" Vitters is from Louisiana, a state with a Democratic governor who would probably pick a another Democrat to replace him. That would make it 52-48 in the Senate. The Repukes don't want the Dems strengthening their hold on the Senate while Holy Joe Lieberman plays for their side while claiming he is a Democrat.
Posted by: Tread | Sep 1, 2007 10:57:05 AM
Not that I'm too surprised that they kicked him to the curb since you can't be a toilet troll while being a republican. But, the more amusing thing is how Faux, sorry, Fox "news" has taken the title of Republicans senator from Idaho from his name. That speaks volumes, when one of the darlings of that far right which has stood for what they do, anti-gay, anti black, anti Hispanic, anti anything, anti just about anything not GOP from the hate mongering platform they have, "network" writes you off.
Posted by: Sebastian | Sep 1, 2007 11:03:02 AM
As a gay Idahoan who has long known of our Senator's hypocritic predilection I'm going to take a little moment (an hour from now) to squeal like a school girl and dance around my house.
I invite you join me.
Cheers!
Posted by: Chris | Sep 1, 2007 11:39:25 AM
Seems to me that with all the Bush administration resignations and GOP scandal that the whole house of cards is about to come tumbling down. We, as a community, must be poised to capitalize on this-get out and vote this election year!!!!!
Posted by: JerzeeMike | Sep 1, 2007 11:44:36 AM
We are witnessing the outcome of the world's worst case of restless leg syndrome ever recorded.
Posted by: Becks07 | Sep 1, 2007 11:49:20 AM
Is the press conference taking place in the Boise Train Depot men's room?
how did someone so clueless actually get elected?
Posted by: Chad | Sep 1, 2007 12:21:34 PM
Fredoglake calls it "Restroom Leg Syndrome."
And Widestance Larry has just resigned!
Posted by: David Ehrenstein | Sep 1, 2007 12:52:46 PM
And - - - HE'S OUT! A number of supporters there when he arrived didn't stop the cheer that went up from the crowd when he anounced that he is resigning from the Senate effective Sept. 30 . . .
He didn't, and hasn't answered ANY questions through all of this. Hmmmm . . . .wonder why?
Posted by: Chris | Sep 1, 2007 12:55:47 PM
Sorry Tintin, but a big difference between Craig and Vitters. Craig plead guilty to a criminal charge, Vitters has never plead guilty much less been charged with any crime. If you recall, Barney Frank was also caught up in a hooker scandal but only got a slap on the wrist from the ethics committee. Vitters may well be a philanderer and a liar but if every US Senator that fit that description resigned we wouldn't have many left.
Posted by: Samftla | Sep 1, 2007 1:15:27 PM
chris,
i've been squealing like a school girl and dancin' 'round my house for awhile now.
cheers to you.
Posted by: nic | Sep 1, 2007 5:10:04 PM
Samftla,
you can be an apologist (look it up) all you want, but the bottom line is that repugs, unlike dems, trumpet moral values while doing the contrary. that is why the outrage. and that is why you, and people like you, are so god-damned annoying.
Posted by: nic | Sep 1, 2007 6:55:22 PM
Oh Nic thank you so much for your comments. I am sure Governor Richardson could use your eloquence to explain his statement that being "gay is a choice" or John Edward's statement about being "conflicted" with "gay marriage due to his Baptist faith". I find it disturbing why some folks in our community exhibit blind allegiance to the Democratic party. It was very interesting how Melissa Etheridge nailed Hillary Clinton during the Logo debates about how Bill Clinton turned his back on our community once he was elected. I guess now you will accuse Melissa Etheridge of being an "apologist".
I do find it amazing how my simple statement pointing out the difference in a Senator pleading guilty to a crime and another admitting to having sex with a hooker transforms me into an apologist for the Republican party.The fact is I am a Democrat, but mature enough to realize that every Democrat is not our friend and that every Republican is not our enemy. Sorry Nic but the real outrage here is your naivete.
Posted by: Sam | Sep 2, 2007 3:49:10 PM
SAM you are a dumb fuck, can you answer this simple question, where the FUCk were the republicans at LOGO debate? you can avoid ALL you want but republicans hate you ass. hell the USED your ass to win ALL the elections since bushy.
Posted by: johnosahon | Sep 3, 2007 7:24:58 AM
johnosahon you certainly have an outstanding command of the English language. What a pathetic response. And since I voted for Kerry not sure how the "Republicans used my ass to win to win ALL the elections since bushy". It is people such as yourself that lower the entire process in attempting to gain equality.
SAM
Posted by: Sam | Sep 3, 2007 3:56:16 PM