Craig steps down to remove "distraction"

CHICAGO — Idaho Sen. Larry Craig announced Saturday that he would resign from the Senate, bowing to pressure from fellow Republicans after his arrest and guilty plea in a gay-sex sting.

Craig stood with his family by his side, as well as the Idaho governor and other Republican officials, as he told supporters in Boise that he would do what is best for Idaho by removing an "unwanted and unfair distraction" from the Senate.

"What is best for Idaho has always been the focus of my efforts, and it is no different today," said Craig, 62. "To Idahoans I represent, to my staff, my Senate colleagues, but most importantly to my wife and my family, I apologize for what I have caused. I am deeply sorry."

GOP leaders praised the decision.

"Sen. Larry Craig made a difficult decision, but the right one," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. "It is my hope he will be remembered not for this, but for his three decades of dedicated public service."

But the announcement was met largely with silence in the political world. The Republican National Committee declined to issue a statement.

Craig said he would resign his seat as of Sept. 30. Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter is expected to appoint another Republican, most likely Lt. Gov. James Risch, to serve the last 16 months of Craig's term.

Craig suffered humiliation after humiliation after his June 11 arrest became public Monday and the Minneapolis airport authority released its tape recording.

GOP leaders quickly asked the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate his arrest, he was stripped of committee assignments and other senators called on him to resign.