Republican Larry Craig may reconsider resignation in gay scandal

September 5, 2007

Washington, DC - Republican senator Larry (Family Values) Craig, arrested in a airport restroom attempting gay sex with a policeman, could reconsider his resignation if he is cleared of a disorderly conduct charge to which he pleaded guilty last month.

Republican senator Larry (Family Values) Craig, arrested in a airport restroom attempting gay sex with a policeman, could reconsider his resignation if he is cleared of a disorderly conduct charge to which he pleaded guilty last month.

"It's not such a foregone conclusion anymore, that the only thing he could do was resign," said Sidney Smith, Craig's spokesman in Idaho's capital to the Associated Press.

"We're still preparing as if Senator Craig will resign September 30, but the outcome of the legal case in Minnesota and the ethics investigation will have an impact on whether we're able to stay in the fight -- and stay in the Senate."

Dan Whiting said it was still the GOP senator's intention to resign Sept. 30, "however, he is fighting these charges and should he be cleared before then, he may -- I emphasize may -- not resign."

Craig announced his resignation Saturday after almost a week of speculation. The senator was arrested in a restroom in June at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on suspicion of making sexual advances to an undercover police officer in the next stall. He initially denied the accusation, according to an audiotape released by police, but on Aug. 8 he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.

Since then, Craig has said he regretted pleading guilty, and has hired legal counsel to reflect that.