August 28, 2007
Posted: 04:25 PM ET

Romney slammed Craig's alleged behavior Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — He was one of Mitt Romney's top backers in the Senate, but the GOP White House hopeful had some harsh words for embattled Idaho Sen. Larry Craig Tuesday.

In an interview with CNBC's "Kudlow and Company," Romney said the Idaho Republican's alleged conduct in an airport bathroom was "very disappointing."

"Once again, we've found people in Washington have not lived up to the level of respect and dignity that we would expect for somebody that gets elected to a position of high influence," Romney added. "He's no longer associated with my campaign, as you can imagine… I'm sorry to see that he has fallen short."

Craig, formerly Romney's Senate co-liaison and head of his Idaho leadership team, resigned his campaign post Monday evening after news surfaced that he was arrested in an airport bathroom for disorderly conduct.

Romney also likened Craig's alleged behavior to that of former Rep. Mark Foley and former President Bill Clinton.

"I think it reminds us of Mark Foley and Bill Clinton," he said. "I think it reminds us of the fact that people who are elected to public office continue to disappoint, and they somehow think that if they vote the right way on issues of significance or they can speak a good game, that we'll just forgive and forget."

"We've seen disappointment in the White House, we've seen it in the Senate, we've seen it in Congress," Romney continued. "And frankly, it's disgusting."

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Larry Craig • Mitt Romney


David, Salinas, CA   September 3rd, 2007 3:19 pm ET

This tells us a lot more about Gov. Mitt Romney than it does about Sen. Larry Craig.

Not a word of sympathy from Romney for his friend in a time of personal crisis.

Not a word of concern from Romney for the family of a man who praised his family values.

Not a word of support from Romney for one of his supporters who still claims to be innocent of any wrong-doing,

Not an ounce of forgiveness from a man who claims to be a Christian.

Romney started calling Craig “disgraceful” and “disgusting” before he even called his friend to find out what really happened..

I’m not defending Larry Craig, who has already lost his career over a misdemeanor.

But a man who won’t stand by his friends doesn't deserve to be President of the United States.

Raymond, El Paso TX   August 28th, 2007 4:58 pm ET

The people you trust and pick to be around you says a lot about your judgement. Has Mit not learned anything from another fellow in the white house? I can't wait for 08!

Mark, Princeton, NJ   August 28th, 2007 4:50 pm ET

Good for Romney! Instead of defending the indefensible, he does the right thing and dumps the guy.

Jacquie, Clayton, NC   August 28th, 2007 4:50 pm ET

Yes, but the difference with Clinton is as "bad" as it was, it was a least a female

Robert Roman Palm Springs, CA   August 28th, 2007 4:42 pm ET

How appropriate that Senator Lawrence Craig (R-Idaho) opened his press conference in Boise (read "BOY-Zee") by saying, and I quote: "Thank you for coming out today."

John Thomas, Edina, MN   August 28th, 2007 4:40 pm ET

In the news tomorrow: Mitt Romney attempts to solicit sex from undercover cop.

If you people think Mitt Romney is any better of a person, you've sorely mistaken. He's talking a good game, you know, just like Mr. Craig did.

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