Maybe they'll have to use a little waterboarding in order to get to the bottom of it. It's probably a technique he approved to be used on others. Besides, if he was in any way innocent, he wouldn't have given in at any point. I can only imagine if I was sitting in a stall and a cop flashed his ID underneath it. I'd laugh and tell him to go to hell. Unless of course I had been doing something wrong. This senator is a hypocrite and it's time for him to go.

iliana…..I understand it's tewmpting to get into the comparison game to defend your man but the point remains the guy pled guilty and thought he could hide that public record fact from his family, constituents and colleagues. I would not want someone who thougfht like that in a position to influence public policy whether he was Republican or Democrat.

Ummm…I'm gay, and I come from a political family, does that make me incompetent? I hope NOT!

My grandfather was a senior foreign service officer (ambassador), one of his earlier generations was a Treasury secretary, and I'm a chief executive of a local municipality of about 4,300 people. I out about myself and no one cares [here in GEORGIA].

But if Craig "is" gay, that is an issue. What? A hypocritical homosexual am I? No, but because he suppressed those behaviors publicly, it ended up spinning the wayward way of God's "I told you so."

Craig was anti-gay rights, wishing that anyone [like him] could NEVER love [in private] who they [maturely] choose. I'm not gay in office, nor at family events, nor in public appearances…I'm gay at home. Outside those walls, I'm a citizen.

I'm on a soap-box for gay civil-rights, sorry. But I'm P.O.'ed with the GOP. I stopped being republican this year (officially), not because of Craig or any other specific member…but because the times are changing. Republicans are going in the direction of the Federalists.

going…GoinG…GONE!!!

None of us wants to live in a country where the "evidence" against Senator Craig is sufficient to end a career. Neither would any of us want speculation regarding our personal lives to be the basis of a media witchhunt.

I'm a Democrat - even a lefty - and I think that the case of Senator Craig offers a wonderful opportunity to draw the line between reasonable scrutiny and the yellow dog journalism that has ruined countless careers and personal lives.

Senator Craig's sexuality is NONE OF OUR BUSINESS. And the crack squad of airport rent-a-cops that sought to entrap him might want to start focusing on . . . uh . . . gosh, I don't know . . . maybe . . . airport security(?).

I agree with Senator Spector. He shouldn't resign. I think the Republican party needs more closeted gay, hypocritical men who like public sex. Maybe we should look at his phone and internet record to see if he is consistent with gay porn. It makes the party diverse. It might show how truly mainstream the Republican party is today. It certainly would go a long way in image building and who that the Republican party stands for diversity with Mary Cheney and Mark Foley in the party. The Log Cabin Republicans are probably having a celebration party right about now. Hell, maybe it may even get Jim McGreevey to convert to the Republican party.

dont trust specter, hes all for the dems,he should retire, [...].

Time for Arlen Specter to resign. Anyone too blind to see a repeated pattern of conduct by Craig - the homosexual who hates homosexuals and legislates against them with pompous, self-righteous biblical declarations - such as Specter doesn't belong in the Senate making nationwide decisions.

Wait - what am I saying? PLEASE, Sen. Specter, drag this thing out in public!

[...] CNN.Com: GOP Senator: Craig should withdraw [...]

Senator Craig may have realized that he was in a no-win situation when he pleaded guilty, whether he was or was not.

From the transcript it would seem that he was promised some type of anonymity (i.e. no media coverage) and he may have decided that it would be best to get this behind him, whether or not he in fact he intended to solicit "activity" in the bathroom in question.

Specter makes a good argument and, no matter his political leanings, at least he remains fair when all of Sen. Craig's so-called friends use words like "disgusting" and "unforgiveable".

Credit to Guiliani and Fred Thompson not to engage in the mudd-slinging by their less worthy opponents.

Finally, it is America's obsession with sexuality and, particularly, its homophobic paranoia. In Europe, this would be a non-issue.

Even if Sen. Craig had sought sex, and this is by no means clear, at this point he would deserve a measure of compassion because he might be a victim of societal homophobia that would have dictated a life he may not have wanted to lead.

So far, he has not used state troopers to bring in the "girls" (or the "boys"), and it does not seem as if he engaged in any illicit conduct in his Senate office. Why is it ok to get it on in the White House and leave office with high marks and why do those with connections to the DC Madam get a standing ovation?

to Ron in Nebraska,

…unlike the Democratic party who keep re-electing their candidates who have been convicted. cant' name names here, but initials TK, BF, WJ, just to "name" a few.

And we wonder if the Republican's are honest or not? Give me a break.
Why is the Dont ask Dont Tell law only for Military?
This idiot should be fired. He does not support Gay rights, Gay Marriage, Marriage Equality etc.
What on earth is this man thinking>

Such is life. They say one thing, and in the rest room they do another..
Even Republicans!
Quote " Republicans, its not the truth anymore"

I think the resignation is to diffuse the situation (and not give media and enemies of repub. party any ammuunition.) Sen Craig does plan to clear his name priavtely, but doesnt' want to remain Sentaor while doing so. This is so boring; and no one even HEARD of this guy before last week.

That's the silliest thing I've ever heard Arlen Specter say. And that's saying a lot.

Um Hawk from Texas…….I agree with your assessment of Republicans but Elaine Chao is Sen. Mitch McConnel's wife, not Spectors.

Go ahead Arlen - keep this on the front burner.

Step aside Dems, the GOP is about to continue to self-destruct and needs no assistance.

Honestly, there isn't a joke writer in Hollywood that could make stuff up this funny.

Does anybody know about the Franklin child-sex cases during Reagan and Bush 1? I’m not making accusations/conspiracy theories. I really don’t know. I’ve been reading a bunch of blog stuff about it and I wonder if it’s true.

Isn't one of the points missing here that Sen. Craigs' judgement was so poor that he pled guilty to something he claimed he didn't do and then thought he could hide the guilty plea from his colleagues, the public and his own family? And some would want this man to remain in the senate and use this stellar decision making ability to do what?, simply hold another seat for the party? shameful!!!

If you think Craig's replacement is going to be an improvement, read this:

http://www.tpmcafe.com/blog/coffeehouse/2007/aug/31/meet_the_new_hypocrite

Spector is trying to patch one hole in the already sinking conservative ship. Sorry but this guy spent his carreer voting agianst gays and for the conservative party and to be even suspect of this activity in a PUBLIC bathroom??? What a freaking hypocrite! Who cares what his sexual preference is? Get him outta office as this is not a honorable person worthy of his post.

I already commented above. Emotions here are definetly strong–and loud. And so many good points raised. I am pleased.

For public restrooms in a large majority of the world's largest airports you need to bring your own toilet paper and a small bottle of sanitizer and sanitized swabs in your carry-on briefcase–never mind solicit sex there.

And the point about young people is in itself sufficiently persuasive.

I've lived in Idaho - twice. Trust me, Larry Craig's political career in Idaho is toast.

Back in the 80s when there was another DC scandal involving sex, drugs, and Congressional pages, although no names had been named or charges filed, then-Rep. Larry Craig, for whatever warped, misguided reason, went before the cameras and stated that he is not gay….all the way back in 1982.

He had not been publicly targeted as gay. But still, he felt the need to state he was not? It sounds as though the man protests too much.

And then, within a year or so, the esteemed Mr. Craig married and Idaho widow who had three children. How conveeeeeeenient, as the Church Lady on SNL used to say.

Of course, he might NOT be gay. He may merely be bisexual! But that still does not excuse his over 25 years of hypocrisy regarding gays…except that, of course, he's NOT GAY, he keeps telling us.

Hey, you straight guys on the board - have you ever reached your foot under the stall wall in a public restroom in order to touch the foot of the person in the next stall? Ever waved your hand under the wall, at the guy next to you?

And EVERYONE on the board, would YOU pick up ANY piece of paper on a bathroom floor?

Larry's in trouble because of his hypocrisy. Nearly 30 years of it. I feel so sorry for friends in Idaho who've voted for this man, election after election.

We could have been spared all this had he admitted who and what he is in the first place. But the GOP demands otherwise. God help you if you're gay, 'cause they'll do their damndest to keep you out of the military, to begrudge you protection against hate crimes, and deny you the civil rights and freedoms of heterosexual married couples.

The only thing that would cause Larry Craig to pursue trying to undo what he's already admitted is a deep, undeniable, unfathomable need to go down in the flames of self-destruction.

Why is is that because Craig is a Republican, the Minority leader wants him to stay in office. But if it was a democrat, Spector would be shouting from the rooftop that they should resign. Politics are so stupic. What is the difference in our Republican and Democrat than Iraq, Suni and Shiite? Not much if you ask me. We may not be shooting at each other but that's only a matter of time.

I think spector should be voted out

In regard to the previous comment of police patrolling public toilets. G-d bless them for doing this. The purpose of a toilet is not to solicit sex in a public place. You cannot measure the cost of this against the positive of keeping these public places safe for children, for it is not is safe today to allow your young children or grandchildren to use them alone. I cannot believe that anyone with a sense of decency, moral compass or concern for young children would voice opposition to this police action, which is as it should be, protecting the safety and welfare of the citizenry. Accolades to these officers for continuing to be so vigilant.
Lucretia, Wisconsin

Hmmm, that makes me very suspicious. Maybe some senators — from both parties — are worried that when their skeletons come out to play, they don't want a precedence set with Craig's exit. Sure, it's a legal argument, but what the politicians are NOT saying is priceless.

More sleaze coming soon!

Mr. Specter is in DREAM LAND! The damage has been done. ALL legislators need to be on ALERT from ALL political paries that they can be replaced. Americans are tired of the games that these people play. Anywhere else, one would be fired or asked to step down. The same should go for these people in office. By the way, I am a Republican, Pushing for Term Limits!

[...] bound to pop up from just about everywhere.  Kinda like the infinite monkeys theory in reverse. (CNN)–The ranking Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee says Idaho Senator Larry Craig [...]

I'm a retired police officer and worked the "weenie wagger" patrol for alot of years in a fairly good sized city. The officers description of Craig's solicitation is EXACTLY what happens when a bathroom pervert is "cruising"
What is there to fight? The guy is guilty!!

A couple of quick points:

Any claim that either party has anything to gain in terms of Senate votes ignores the fact that Idaho is 68% Republican and has a GOP Governor. It will remain a red state no matter what happens to Senator Craig.

Any claim that Arlen Specter is somehow a “political animal” playing some partisan game ignores his 40+ year record as a statesman who says whatever he believes regardless of the consequences. I say this as a loyal Democrat out of respect to a decent Republican.

And finally, our obsession with this tawdry affair, (and dozens of others like it) ignores the fact that we are faced with a global threat from terrorists, bogged down in a quagmire in Iraq, falling behind the world in education, have no coherent immigration policy, and that we still have 47 million uninsured, an American city devastated, record home foreclosures, and a ballooning national debt to China and other economic competitors.

Is there any chance we could get our heads out of the bathroom stalls long enough to face our real problems as a nation?

The guy is a confessed pervert. His political history is tainted with perversion('82 page scandal)…others have come forward with no axe to grind and admitted having sex with this guy…his credibility is shot and he needs to be OUT(ed).

i completely agree with specter here. i'm not a republican, but whats been forced upon sen. craig is pretty wrong, and, after hearing the tape of the interrogation so many times on tv, i don't really believe his intentions were to solicit sex.

I am a real fence sitter on this one. No one really knows what happened in that restroom. It is a "he" said "she" said situation. There was no video or voice recording of the incident. A good point was raised in an earlier post about his presence at the airport. It would help to know what gate he flew in on and what gate he was to fly out on and what the proximately of this particular restroom was to these gates.
Time and time again it has been proven that people in power are subject to bribery/corruption. Police are not above this, although we would like to believe otherwise. Troubling is the fact that Craig has strongly opposed any kind of gay rights. That would make him a good set up candidate.
I can understand his taking 2 months to do what he did mainly because of his political involvement. I can't undertand not consulting an attorney or not telling his wife.

In the political animal that is Specter, I wonder what he is up to. I mean, asking Larry Craig to continue serving as the Idaho Senate representative is asking the RNC to commit seppuku in 2008. The RNC currently has limited funds, and to spend money into what is clearly an extremely Red state (Idaho) in 2008 if Larry Craig is running as US senator (if he doesn't resign) is equivalent of abandoning any chance of a Republican takeover of the Senate for the next decade.

If Sen. Specter is asking Larry Craig to stand up and fight against the homophobia dripping in the Republican ranks, I respect that kind of fortitude. On the other hand, I would have to say that Sen. Specter is really feeding the Democrats a lot of fodder, enough to nuke the Republicans out of the House, Senate, and White House in 2008. I can't say I am not happy about a Democratic takeover in '08, but this is straight up overkill.

*** We need to stop hounding our political leaders (of either party or sexual identity) out of office over minor personal indiscretions and let them do their jobs. ***

I would agree with you, except for the fact that Craig supported was partly responsible for the laws that are used to hound gays out of the military on a regular basis. Therefore I have no sympathy for him. To conservatives, it's his homosexual behavior that's a problem. To the rest of us, his hypocrisy stinks to high heaven.

Oh, and anyone who thinks it's possible to make contact with the person's feet in the next stall by taking a "wide stance" either has somehow never been in a public restroom, or has a serious screw loose. In the latter case, I have a lovely bridge over the East River you might be interested in investing in.

The Police Officer is more guilty than the “johns”. According to the police officer’s own accounts he was predicting and responding to various perceived signs and signals. I certainly wouldn’t have known what foot tapping signaled other than a song. How could mutually consensual behavior be considered objectionable to either consenting adult?

Yeah, Craig should indicate that he intends to withdraw his resignation and fight the case. This is too good to be true. These republicans obviously have no common sense.

Of course Specter wants Craig around,it serves to make him more powerful if the bible thumpers all get thrown out next year.

"Fight It"? Give be a break. That takes a backbone. From homophobic "piling on" to running from a controversy, Craig has exhibited the traits of a classic coward.

I am not American. I cannot vote.

In my long career as a diplomat I have visited just about every toilet in every major airport. But I had no clue of the existence of a specific meaning to Mr Craig's alledged alluring motions.

Was that entrapment? Would the presence of a uniformed security guard on open watch in that washroom not have been deterring enough and far less costly? Am I to believe that in presumably a long-term program of deterrence at that airport, Mr Craig is the only one to have engaged in that behaviour? Are there some numbers we need maybe?

And let us not forget that this case has attracted attention only after a "leak" of the information. What?!… not a political coup of sorts?!

That having been said, transparency in ALL transactions and situations is the stuff of the conduct expected in all public servants–and yes, I would fight too.

I don't see this issue as a simple matter of "right and wrong".

Yeah, Craig clearly seems to have knowingly inappropriately solicited gay sex. Indeed, that's wrong, but so is speeding and drinking underage. And who here can claim innnocence on those fronts? Does such an infraction deserve to be career-altering?

On the other hand, Craig is known by many as a vocally (politically) anti-gay. While maybe not "WRONG" legally, that he has chosen the gay lifestyle himself does seem to be grounds to question the man's integrity. That said, I can see that he's trapped in party policy and "pandering."

It's a mess for sure.

Ideally, this event would help sponsor an honest dialog about what's really important to the country. Perhaps what might be seen here is that an individual's sexual preference is not critical to the future of the country or the world. To see this dialog occur in the political forum would give me renewed hope for American politics.

SPECTER ALSO NEEDS TO GO. HE KEEPS HIS WIFE IN A CUSHY GOVERMENT JOB, AND SHE DOSEN'T EVEN USE HIS NAME, SHE GOES BY ELAINE CHOW. AND ALL SHE DOES IS RUBBER STAMP BUSH'S POLICY. LIKE BOB DOLE, HE KEPT HIS WIFE IN A $200.000 A YEAR JOB FOR YEARS. THE REPUBLICANS CARE NOTHING FOR THIS COUNTRY EXCEPT WHAT THEY CAN GET OUT OF IT.

Se. Craig should use every legal means possible to protect his name and reputation, but he should not rescind his resignation. What makes sense legally is not always the right thing politically.

I personally believe, ( look at me sounding like Miss South Carolina ), that the Senator should NOT resign. His crime is not a felony and he does not face any jail time. He has had a long standing career and has been a good politician, well as good as the GOP politicians can get, and I believe that he should stay in the Senate at least throughout the remainder of his term. FIGHT IT SENATOR!

I like how all the Democrats on this board can only post that they want Craig to stay so it will help their odds. Maybe he should stay because he is a good Senator? Or maybe he should leave because this has turned into one of the largest distractions of the year?

Craig's plea was 'guilty'.
He was told he could NOT withdraw the plea.
How can Spector suggest that Craig circumvent a legal process?
*****VOTE DEMOCRAT*****

http://www.myspace.com/prophecy617

Well, Senator Specter, there is something called "evidence" and I'm sure in this case (and in the Abramoff, Delay, Vitter cases, and many others), your party can't stomach the truth that evidence shows.

Larry Craig for President 08!

Larry Craig pleaded guilty because he is guilty of disgusting, kinky behavior. But Specter wants Craig to change his plea and continue to serve as senator. Another lifetime politician, Patrick Leahy, also agreed with Spector. This arrogance is typical of old politicians who more and more put themselves above the law. How stupid do these idiots think we Americans are?

If you have read the transcript of the arresting officer, there is no question what Craig was up to. Well-educated, powerful men are very unlikely to plead guilty to crimes they have not committed. Lets move on. Joe Konn, Berkeley CA

Now that Craig has Michael Vick's attorney, maybe he can share a cell with Vick.

Larry Craig's (and all other politician's) biggest crime is 27 years in politics. That's way too long. Someone should serve one term and then get their real job back. Years in power breeds corruption. No one should aspire to a career in politics, but everyone should be prepared to serve their country in a temporary leadership role, making or changing the laws they have to live under once they leave office. Political candidates should be drafted from the general population. That population should be taught how to serve in a public office while in school.

I strongly agree with Sen Specter even though I am a Democrat and criminologist from a democractic state of California. The case clearly recorded no substantive nor convincing legal evidentiary values to convict anyone of "lewd or even public homosexual conducts" (??) but a case of a skillfully tricky cop out to prey and trap innocent citizens with evasive tactics and classic interrogatory indimidations upon persons with surprisingly weak character such as Sen Craig. This case clearly convicts Sen Craig of a misdemeanor in foolishness and a felony in bad understanding of such basic legal issue of accepting a guilty plea under duress.

And, to resign under pressure of other Republican leaders - naturally in the face of an upcoming presidential election year - again confirms such mental weakness of a man on that toilet seat that day.

Specter tries to suggest to "un-ring a bell" is silly, and demonstrates his lack of judgement!

Why Specter was silent earlier last week when Craig's trouble surfaced?

Specter reminds of some hyprocrites in a funeral home, who try to say good things about a dispicable deceased person in the coffin.

I agree 100%!

PLEASE don't resign Senator Craig. We Democrats need you for next year.

In reading up on just what these crusing signals are and what makes them so obvious, I found that they are done in such a way that intent and behavior cannot be misinterpreted: double and triple confirmations are part of the procedure. It would have been perfectly clear to the policeman what Craig was up to.

I think the Senator was set up and is not guilty .I personally am opposed to him politically and would like to see one less gop in the Senate .That said i do not think he should be brought down by media slime,i listened to the tape and feel he is telling the truth!

I find the GOP very interesting and very Rush Limbaughish. When they do something wrong its a minor distraction, but when the President has a fling with a willing adult subordinate, all the conservative right wing Rushboos rush to get rid of the bum.
So what is it? Family values to get the vote, but no family values to live by?
Stay where you are Senator. Maybe you shouldn't have written New Orleans off and took a trip down there. The gay community would have welcomed you with open arms or whatever……….

$ 90,000 hidden in a freezer, drunk driving, prostituion, playing footsies in a male bathroom at an airport. Our government officials are humans and no better than the people they represent. Law enforcement should take care of the law breakers and the voters take care of who is allowed to remain in office. Why then pick on just one or two of them to ask to resign and not the whole bunch? I bet if I conducted an investigation into the rest of the members of the Senate and Congress I could come up with a lot of dirt. So why pick on Craig? I think our elected officials better watch their backs because you just don't know which one of their collegues will be around to put a knife in it! Democracy at its finest….it makes me sick!

Fight 'em, Larry. Don't let this stop your long distinguished career of gay-bashing, Clinton-hating, and environmntal smashing. A guy with a wide stance who likes to pick up paper from the bathroom floor doesn't desrve this kind of treatment.

He has an uphill battle to plead not guilty now.

Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure require a defendant to show a "manifest injustice" to withdraw a guilty plea, and that is so hard to do.

He's going to have to try to convince the judge he didn't know what he was doing. I think that would be difficult for a person in his position, to say I didn't understand the legal system.

Even if the judge allows Craig to withdraw his plea, the prosecutor can re-file the gross misdemeanor charge that was dismissed. Taking the case to trial would just create more bad publicity for him and for the republican party in the upcomg election year.

He is history politically and should fade away in his retirement years.

Specter really should just shut up. Then again, I've never had any respect for him sense the horrible way he treated Anita Hill. Horrible!

Obviously Craig knows a lot more about what went down in those restroom stalls than Specter does, don't ya think?

I noticed the "intent" word and the delayed intended date of departure. Who knows what he's up to. All I can say is that the guy is a liar. He's already proved that. There can't be one truth to the judge and another truth to the American people.

I disagree with Senator Specter on many issues, but he has tremendous political courage and he’s right on this one. (Note that Mitt Romney doesn’t have the guts to stand up for his friend in a time of need). We need to stop hounding our political leaders (of either party or sexual identity) out of office over minor personal indiscretions and let them do their jobs.

Of course that’s not going to happen here, because the Republican leadership wants to put this embarrassment behind them and get back to the hypocritical homophobic pandering they do so well.

It's truly refreshing to see that there's one Republican with some backbone (Specter) who hasn't succumbed to the rest of his party's rampant homophobia.

But I think Specter is ultimately wrong about Craig - he had two months to think about the charge before he pled guilty, he contacted the Minneapolis airport police to get a contact for his lawyer to call (but apparently Craig then never spoke to a lawyer before entering his plea) - and under those circumstances I think it would be difficult to convince a judge to allow Craig to withdraw his plea.

Under Minnesota law Craig would apparently have to prove that his plea was not "accurate, voluntary, or intelligent" or that allowing him to withdraw the plea would correct a "manifest injustice" - and only the first of these (accuracy) seems even remotely in play here. So long as there was an adequate factual basis for the plea, the plea would be considered accurate and there's no manifest injustice to be corrected. And the statement of the undercover officer would appear to provide all the factual basis necessary for the charged crime of disorderly conduct.

I hope Craig rescinds his resignation and remains in the Senate….that will only help the GOP….lol

I guess I'm too naive to know all these airport signs (and rest stop signs, etc) so when I listened to the transcript, it seemed to draw a long conclusion out of rather flimsy "evidence" .. but I have one question I have not seen the facts of: Did Senator Craig have any legitimate business at the airport on this date and time? (Somehow if he was catching a flight, or returning home and stopped to use the restroom it seems more potentially trumped up than if he hadn't been on a flight in the last 4 hours and just happened to be "in the neighborhood" so to speak) .. anyone know?

I fully support this idea. I can't think of a single thing that would be more entertaining than a televised trial where Sen. Craig is asked "Senator, can you explain how you managed to 'accidentally' complete a complex, subtle, and decades-old signal that indicates you're willing to commit anonymous toilet sodomy while you just happened to be in a toilet that just happens to be known as a great place to give or receive anonymous toilet sodomy?"