September 10, 2007
Posted: 12:28 PM ET

Craig's attorney, Billy Martin, tells CNN how he plans to get Craig's guilty plea withdrawn.

(CNN) – Attorneys for Sen. Larry Craig filed papers Monday to withdraw his guilty plea to a disorderly conduct charge stemming from allegations that he made sexual advances to an undercover police officer in an airport men's room.

Craig's attorney, Billy Martin, said the filing argues that the Idaho Republican suffered a "manifest injustice" at the hands of the police officer who arrested him in a men's room at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in June.

Martin told CNN that Craig wishes that he had sought legal council in the months between his arrest and entering his guilty plea.

Full story

TIME.com: The Psychology of Hypocrisy

Filed under: Larry Craig • Senate


Mike, San Fransico,ca   September 9th, 2007 8:19 pm ET

please senator craig just give up

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   September 9th, 2007 8:21 pm ET

My guess is that the plea will stand because Craig had a chance to consult counsel before mailing his guilty plea. He didn't.

RB from the Bay State   September 9th, 2007 8:29 pm ET

Larry Craig is the gift that keeps on giving.

Keeping it on the front burner only makes matters worse.

The GOP must be groaning under the weight of this guy.

GB, Irving TX   September 9th, 2007 8:30 pm ET

Who cares if he changes his mind? If this man is so stupid to admit to something, that he later withdraws because it suits him better .. this is the "Bill Clinton factor"… let's get some new blood in office! Thank you!

Ron Nebraska   September 9th, 2007 8:41 pm ET

Craig thought a guilty plea would not be publicly recorded? And this man has brains enough to be a senator? No wonder this country is screwed with mental giants like Craig and George Bush around.

gene, san ysidro,ca   September 9th, 2007 8:52 pm ET

…goes to show what $$ can buy…A member of Congress with such a limited knowledge of the legal system…could tha average American citizen afford this legal tactic?, probally not but an illegal alien could…something is dreadfuly wrong with the Good Ole US of A folks.

John Bloom, Trenton New Jersey   September 9th, 2007 8:53 pm ET

Does anybody really care anymore? Here is the deal, you plea down your charge to a lesser crime you are pleading guilty with no appeal. You sign a document stating just that. I will not appeal and I am pleading gulity. You then have to state your guilt to the judge. Craig, it is time to leave and go home. Gay or not you pled guilty. Bye, bye.

Kevin, Largo, FL   September 9th, 2007 9:00 pm ET

If Craig did not make a knowing and intelligent plea, this is very frightening as he is an elected lawmaker. In this case he is not worthy of his post and should resign based on his ignorance. Also if we start allowing convicted criminals to change their pleas we will open a constitutional can of worms.

Terri, San Ysidro ,CA.   September 9th, 2007 9:01 pm ET

…nice try Larry but you got caught, fess up to your Wife first, kids second…then go find youtrself a friendly priest at any airport.

Tim, Denver Colorado   September 9th, 2007 9:06 pm ET

Senator Craig is doing nothing for his party except underscoring the HYPOCRISY of politics in this country. For crying out loud, this man had WEEKS, not hours or days, to make the intelligent decision to plead guilty. And now he's looking for some loophole to be exploited by an expensive attorney. Once again, middle America is being shown there is always a way to get out of a situation if one has enough money!!!

Thomas   September 9th, 2007 9:12 pm ET

The act of soliciting sex in a bathroom (gay or striaght) is bad enough when you look at the public health and personal safety issues. But what REALLY irks me is that this guy think he can change his plea now because his lawyers have told him he could probably get out of it and would not have to step down. What a disgusting scumbag!!!! Just another hypocritical, holier-than-thou Republican who thanks he can do whatever the hell he wants and WE the American people will not notice. Get out of my sight Craig, the sight of your pompous, priviliged face makes me sick…you are such a victim. My 2-year old has more morals and character than you.

David, San Francisco, CA   September 9th, 2007 9:19 pm ET

AND…he's a gay basher, so it serves him right to get a little gay bashing himself. Enjoy your time in hell, Senator. Maybe this will bring a change of heart, but I doubt he has the brains enough for self reflection.

Moe, NY   September 9th, 2007 9:32 pm ET

This man is a United States Senator and he cannot make an intelligent plea on his own behalf…HMMMM…what's wrong with this picture? Let's all hope that Pottygate wraps up soon!

Bob, Lindenhurst, NY   September 9th, 2007 9:37 pm ET

Two things I learned from all of this:
"manifest injustice" = "outed"
and
"a plea can be withdrawn if it was not intelligently made" = if I plead "guilty" to ANYTHING than obviously I can plead "not guilty" later on if it suits me b/c pleading "guilty" is not an intelligently made decision

Cary- Lowell IN   September 9th, 2007 9:40 pm ET

Liberals will fight for terrorists in Guantanamo to have their day in court, but Sen. Craig isnt entitled to his due process?

Ian   September 9th, 2007 10:01 pm ET

Craig still doesn't get it. it's not the sexual aspect that is his downfall. It's the cover-up! It exposed his innate dishonesty and that's why no one likes him anymore. But by all means continue your doomed fight. I haven't had this many laughs for free in a long time.

Rodney Dallas, TX   September 9th, 2007 10:14 pm ET

It's funny, there are different laws for different people. Politicians have their set of laws. Celebriities have their set of laws and then there are the laws for the rest of us.

Bill, Streamwood, IL   September 9th, 2007 10:19 pm ET

Sounds like another Republican flip-flop to me.

Do I have to go to the bathroom or don't I have to go to the bathroom?

Am I guilty or am I not guilty?

Should I resign or should I not resign?

… and I thought Democrats were indecisive.

Tellit Likeitis   September 9th, 2007 10:30 pm ET

Maybe he can go to seminary like McGreevy…this is pathetic…so he's a closet queen..the only person who should care is his wife…I am sure she already knew…what he was doing is called CRUISING…so what…

TellIt Likeitis   September 9th, 2007 10:31 pm ET

I could careless if he's gay…that's his wife's business….I want him out just because he is SO STUPID!

Denny Reeves Norfolk, NE   September 9th, 2007 10:33 pm ET

Ha !! Not an intelligent plea !! If that's the argument, he should not be in the Senate making decisions! Period.

Andrew, Williamsburg, VA   September 9th, 2007 10:40 pm ET

It's ironic that Craig is now in a position in which he has to convince the American people that he is a liar (to the police, no les), not a criminal. This is even more fun to watch than Ted Haggard's outing.

Peter, Chicago IL.   September 9th, 2007 10:40 pm ET

To Cary- Lowell IN

Craig had his due process already. The end result was he pled guilty. How many "due-processes" does one get because they are a Republican senator?

David, Roseburg OR   September 9th, 2007 11:09 pm ET

*Liberals will fight for terrorists in Guantanamo to have their day in court, but Sen. Craig isnt entitled to his due process?"

No, that is not the case as none of the "terrorists" have first plead guilty (or even given that chance) and then changed their mind after being given council by other corrupt legislators.

Dwayne Pruitt,Brownfield Texas   September 9th, 2007 11:16 pm ET

Senator Spector said it best; it eas not very intelligent and it appears the good people of Idaho have not had an intelligent Rep. for 27years! Keep it up Craig we will be enertained for months! take your great pension and go to the house.

Lyons Steve   September 9th, 2007 11:24 pm ET

/***
Liberals will fight for terrorists in Guantanamo to have their day in court, but Sen. Craig isnt entitled to his due process?
***/

Actually, Fascist Boy, "liberals" and moderates and even some conservatives are far more worried about the INNOCENT PEOPLE held in Guantanamo, and even, the guilty, held without bail, trial, ANYthing.

And, Meester Disingenuous, Craig *could* have had his day in court. He chose *not* to.

Unless you're willing to let EVERY SINGLE PERSON THAT PLEADS GUILTY withdraw that plea after several weeks or months? Answer that. I'll bet you can't.

Ron Nebraska   September 9th, 2007 11:24 pm ET

Cary……congratulations! Your posting makes absolutely no sense but you did manage to put in some good old divisive political rhetoric. excellent job!

K'ara, denver and colorado   September 9th, 2007 11:26 pm ET

Sen. Craig should be allowed to try to overturn his conviction because i believe that his plea was stupid and he should have thought it out better because it only made things worse. I also think that even if he is covicted i do not think that he shouls resign.

Aaron   September 9th, 2007 11:28 pm ET

Well if he can prove that the plea is not intelligently made, what does that make him? A not too intelligent senator. So either he is guilty or he is stupid. Either way, I am still amazed that some still fight to keep him on the senate.

Shawn, Zillah, WA   September 9th, 2007 11:46 pm ET

Let the people of Idaho decide what happens to Sen. Craig, because they are who he represents. Maybe then we can focus on more important issues like Iraq!

Rich Chicago, IL   September 9th, 2007 11:56 pm ET

Enough already. The more he drags this out the more damage he causes, he got CAUGHT, plain and simple. Read the arrest report and there's no doubt. There was no paper he was claiming to pick up, HE WAS SOLICITING! Must be hard to be so extremely closeted in Idaho…

Russ Bergen NJ   September 10th, 2007 12:05 am ET

Osama bin Laden Tape? when did he start using "Just for men"? he even gained weight. His eyes changed too.
Ok its Osama bin Laden "NOT"

Rick, Chicago Illinois   September 10th, 2007 12:14 am ET

Cary- Lowell IN,

"Liberals will fight for terrorists in Guantanamo to have their day in court, but Sen. Craig isnt entitled to his due process?"

He had his shot at due process, and after the weeks he had to seek counsel and decide he STILL pled GUILTY!

Pleading guilty and NOT getting to change your plea IS due process.

By the way .. did the "terrorists" in Guantanamo plead guilty like Craig did?

Try again Cary.

Marc, Boise ID   September 10th, 2007 12:23 am ET

Then he's just really stupid, not a law breaking hypocrite. That's much better. No wonder he enjoyed such a lengthy career in the US Congress. Until we demand the end of this insane one party/two faction system, these are the representatives we are going to get.

Mrs. America   September 10th, 2007 12:32 am ET

Maybe he should go back and reverse all of his anti-gay, anti-women and anti-minority votes, say he wasn't thinking intelligently when he cast them.

Chas F., Fort Lauderdale, FL   September 10th, 2007 12:36 am ET

I thought this story had lost its "newsworthiness". Has this man not come out of the closet yet and begun fighting his self-imposed demons? His poor wife and family….

Douglas Babb_Princeton_KY   September 10th, 2007 12:39 am ET

Sen. Larry Craig if you went out of the way to go to the WC further then the one that was convenient when you was at the airport, then you are guilty of lieing about your homosexuality_The only reason you went out of the way to this one WC is because it is the one for cruising for male sex, right_

Drew   September 10th, 2007 1:38 am ET

Cary,

If a terrorist pled guilty to terrorism charges they would be drug out behind the shed and beat to death.

Craig has it easy and it makes me sick.

Lee, Mays Landing NJ   September 10th, 2007 1:57 am ET

Check this out:
Conservative Republicans have no respect for the law, no respect for the finality of judgments in court, no respect for their own guilty plea, which is a final adjudication, no respect for our intelligence and no respect for another man's space and privacy when sitting on a toilet.
They are proven to be wholly without principal and drunk on the power given to them by so many ignorant people who bought into the bible thumping moralizing that they pander to.

Jack Clarkson, Los Angeles, CA   September 10th, 2007 2:08 am ET

Senator Craig's best chance is to switch parties and become a democrat. I bet Barney Frank would welcome Craig like one of his own.

L. Nichols, Slim Buttes, South Dakota   September 10th, 2007 2:42 am ET

Senator Craig of Idaho, one of the 100 United States Senators we have in America, voluntarily pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge in Minnesota. If what he did by pleading guilty was not intelligent, then maybe each and every vote Senator Craig made in the Senate should come under scrutiny as he may not be hitting on all his cylinders.

Keith Farquhar, Sacramento, California   September 10th, 2007 4:24 am ET

This is foolish and insulting. A United States Senator claims he wasn't properly read his Miranda rights? Shouldn't he know them by heart, and shouldn't any disclaimer by him be interpreted as incompetence? Senator, take your lumps, suck it up, and realize you are done. Quit making a spectacle of our judicial and legislative institutions. Resign.

Tom Klem Elk River, MN   September 10th, 2007 4:39 am ET

This gives proof to the notion that money is above the law. If he is allowed to change his plea and this isn't front page story for at least a week then we will have proof who really owns the press.

John T. Johnson, Big Lake Alaska   September 10th, 2007 4:50 am ET

Let me think here. This man is an elected representative of our government and he dosn't know his rights about self incrimination, or the right to a lawyer…But, he pled out anyway…So why is he there?
Why the change of heart all of a sudden…I learned my rights in H.S. and he's older than I am…We both lived thru that time frame…

RIchard Orlando Florida   September 10th, 2007 7:26 am ET

The line of Republican "Family Values" phonies continues: Craig needs to contact Florida Republican Allen who was caught for the same offense in a park restroom. He offered $20 for sex, but once he was caught, the $20 was not really for sex, just misconstrued. They need the same lawyer.

ThirstyJon, Freedomville, IL   September 10th, 2007 7:54 am ET

I'm willing to give the guy a chance. Let's see what the court says.

ThirstyJon
freedomthirst.com

Tim   September 10th, 2007 8:13 am ET

Give it a rest, "Sen" Craig. Just suck it up, resign, and try to fade gracefully into oblivion…all you are doing is making yourself look more and more like the typical Republican!

Jim Wiesbaden, Germany   September 10th, 2007 8:16 am ET

I don't think liberals are the only people who want Craig to resign. Why is that if one disagrees with this issue a liberal label is applied. I personaly know and like liberals, they are aptriotic.

J. Kellar Weippe, ID   September 10th, 2007 8:19 am ET

You got caught Senator and you plead guilty. No one believes your ridiculous excuse of "stress" made you plead guilty when you were really innocent. Idaho deserves better!

WDRussell, East Liverpool, Ohio   September 10th, 2007 8:28 am ET

Sen Craig just forgot where he was. He thought he was at a NRA convention and it was Ted Nugent in the next stall.

Bubba, Swainsboro GA   September 10th, 2007 8:36 am ET

Senator Craig, we got a saying down here in Georgia that seems to fit the facts of this case, and it goes like this:
"That dog won't hunt."

Tap your jiggy feet on down the road and off our radar, okay? This is harder to explain to kids than Monica and the cigar. You guys always wanted to outdo Bill Clinton and now you've surpassed him completely.

Sean, Minneapolis   September 10th, 2007 8:45 am ET

Wow. I Spector really that dumb. Just because Craig's plea wasn't "intelligent" doesn't mean that his plea wasn't "intelligently made." I can't believe people actually vote for these morons.

Tom W, Dedham, Mass   September 10th, 2007 8:45 am ET

His 15 minutes of stupidity are just about up. NOT!

This moron sticks his piggies under a stall and it has been story number one for weeks now, German authorities and American authorities nab suspected terrorists with real bombs and actual plans to do harm to innocent people and it is either not report or barely reported by the MSM.

11 Democrats are nailed in NJ for bribery and extortion etc, etc (a couple of mayors were involved) and it gets scant coverage and never gets posted on the political ticker for "discusion", but an idiot Republican screws up………….

Rich; Canton, OH   September 10th, 2007 8:46 am ET

Cary– obviously, Craig already received due process, and the Gitmo detainees have not. Obviously. Obviously. Nice to see that all of you repubs are as stupid and devoid of legal knowledge as the ex- Senator. Read a law book some time. Larry– PLEASE have a public trial on whether or not you're gay. It will be the final nail in the coffin of the republican party. I know– you're not gay– you just have these impulses that you can't control. And your lawyers are licking their chops over the fact that you're going to give them all of your money. So shame; no integrity; no dignity; no truth– the modern day republican party. Thanks, Karl.

Thomas New York, NY   September 10th, 2007 8:48 am ET

I think he deserves a chance to clear his name;the act of the Rebublican party to want him to "disappear" is a sham.

John, Kansas City, MO   September 10th, 2007 8:48 am ET

Cary, Craig had his due process…he had several weeks to discuss his options with an attorney (whether or not he chose to do that is irrelevant) and then he pled guilty…end of story.

red   September 10th, 2007 8:52 am ET

this man is not above the law, if he gets away with this then its for sure our system is corrupt to the point of non-repair. He plead guilty, and he knew what he was doing… he just got caught this time

Bill, westbury New York   September 10th, 2007 8:59 am ET

Larry, I truly hope you are successful in overturning your guilty plea. That way, when you go to trial the police can testify in disgusting detail all the special signals and gestures used by homosexuals in well known 'cruising' bathrooms to solicit anonymous sex. (the signals you yourself used that elicited your guilty plea in the first place). And how you were well out of your way to use this known hook-up lavatory. Let the world know that you just can't possibly accidentally bump feet in a mens room stall lest the floor was greased with butter.

Thomas, St. Petersburg, FL   September 10th, 2007 9:00 am ET

I'm tired of hearing about "Brokeback Bathroom". This gutter rat Craig has no shame. He is an absolute disgrace. My sincere sympathy to his unfortunate wife.

Dudes, New York City, NY   September 10th, 2007 9:05 am ET

"Liberals will fight for terrorists in Guantanamo to have their day in court, but Sen. Craig isnt entitled to his due process?"

Uhhh, he already had his due process and he pleaded guilty. But thanks for the mindless Republican commentary.

Kathleen, Alexandria, VA   September 10th, 2007 9:11 am ET

Larry Flynt has run an ad offering a million dollars to anyone who will come forward and prove that they had sex with a politician. Does Larry Craig really want to go there? I have no doubt that there are people who could reveal sexual encounters with him.

A. Thomas, New York, NY   September 10th, 2007 9:11 am ET

To many, Craig is guilty as charged. If he can withdraw his "compromised" guilty plea, he would be charged at a higher "crime".

Withdrawing the plea, if allowed, will cause more pain to himself, his family, and the republican party in days and months to come.

His political life is mostly over and he should just fade away.

Derian   September 10th, 2007 9:11 am ET

I thought I'd heard it all until I saw someone try to equate Guantanamo and the Craig fiasco… the ideology war in this country between right and left continues to do us more harm than any terrorists ever could hope to…
Let Larry go to trial - and charge him with the full slate of solicitation charges, and we'll just sit back and be amused at the testimony as it comes forth… (tapping foot, impatiently)

Chicago, IL   September 10th, 2007 9:15 am ET

Lowell IN: Liberals will fight for terrorists in Guantanamo to have their day in court, but Sen. Craig isn’t entitled to his due process?

Lowell, Sen. Craig had his chance at due process, he waived that right when he entered the guilty plea. He chose to plead guilty in lieu of a protracted court case. The prisoners in Guantanamo have been locked up for years and never seen a judge or a lawyer. I don't see your comparison. In fact, your attempt is typical conservative response: emotion based reactionism, with little basis in actual fact.

Ian, Eastham MA   September 10th, 2007 9:23 am ET

Cary - I'm not a liberal, but you should really look up "Due Process".

Adam, San Diego, CA   September 10th, 2007 9:37 am ET

Senator Craig had weeks to counsel a team of highly-trained lawyers, make an "intelligent" decision, declare it in front of a judge, and sign all the requisite paperwork surrendering his right to appeal.

The prisoners in Guantanamo are lucky to see a either a judge or a lawyer for months at a time, let alone receive a chance to plead one way or the other. THAT is the difference. Senator Craig had his day in court– he doesn't get two. What he needs to do is accept the consequences of his actions, if not from a moral standpoint, then at least from a legal one, and stop drawing attention of a congress already rife with scandal and embarrassment from both parties.

Pat, Huntington, NY   September 10th, 2007 9:38 am ET

Whether or not Craig is guilty of soliciting bathroom sex is besides the point of the real crime committed here - his attempt to escape any prosecution by waiving his Senate ID in from of the arresting police officer, representing a clear abuse of office. And what a typical republican.

greg Miami, FL   September 10th, 2007 9:43 am ET

Withdraw a plea after being sentenced??
I guess now everyone who has been sentenced to prison on a guilty plea can also withdraw their plea. What a joke and what a jerk Larry Craig is.

KA, Portland, ME   September 10th, 2007 9:44 am ET

Sen. Craig obviously pled guilty because he did something wrong. It is too obvious that he did engage in lewd conduct. I hope that the guilty plea is not overturned. Any regular citzen engaging in this behavior has to face the consequences, and Craig is no exception. The fact the Craig said his foot "accidentially" touched the officer in the next stall is absurd. It's really hard for that to happen in a normal bathroom stall. C'mon now.

Teresa, Tallahassee, FL   September 10th, 2007 9:55 am ET

If I were a resident of Idaho, I would be incensed at the conduct of this person who is representing my state. As a resident of this country and one who exercises my right to vote, I am appalled by the behavior and poor judgement of one of the people who has been responsilbe for making laws that I am supposed to abide by. I am even more dismayed by the people who are encouraging Sen. Craig in this effort.

I do not expect perfection from any human, however, I do expect reasonable judgement, respect for the law and a sense of personal responsibility. Since I expect this from my 10-year-old daughter it is not unreasonable to expect the same from an elected official.

Newton, Chicago, IL   September 10th, 2007 9:56 am ET

Ian is exactly right. It's the fact that he tried to subvert the system that demonstrates how unfit he is for office. On the other hand, wouldn't it be wonderful if they allow him to withdraw his guilty plea, try him - and convict him on the original charge.

Dave, Miramar Beach Fl   September 10th, 2007 9:59 am ET

This is great! Craig is going to continue embarrass and divide the GOP.The Democrats don't need to spend a lot of money on advertising because all they have to do is watch and point out how the GOP are hypocrites. Is Craig really that stupid to think he has a chance to get this overturned after making a choice to plead guilty? Even if he did or did not mean to look for sex,he admitted that his foot bumped into the Officer's foot.It was unwanted, and that is called assault.
But what is even better. If Craig is going to fight this, then all the details will come out, and it will make Craig guiltier.
Go Craig Go! Keep making yourself and the GOP look bad. You are doing the best thing to help the Democrats

Claypo, Savannah, GA   September 10th, 2007 10:00 am ET

Craig is so far in denial. He needs to come out the closet and find a new voter's base, because he lied to the former. I have no quams with a person's sexuality, but when you bash a different viewpoint, then it's discovered you BELONG on the the other side….you are a hypocrite.

Craig is a homosexual and needs to use this incident in a manner that is consistent with his "true self". He will make a wonderful supporter of gay rights and will receive lots of money for well written speeches at gay festivals or parade's all across the nation. He could become a very useful tool for the the very constituents he once abandoned.

I can hear him now, "You might remember me from the bathroom stall incident, I said I had a wide stance. Well now, I've changed my stance. I've cleaned my closet and my conscience, so let's go get a right to marry".

He has lost his Bible weilding army, and the support of anyone else who needs their votes.

Chip Celina OH   September 10th, 2007 10:07 am ET

I'm with Derian when he writes:

"the ideology war in this country between right and left continues to do us more harm than any terrorists ever could hope to…"

So much name calling and to what end? One side is NOT going to solve the problems in this country. A concerted effort will be needed so all points of view have a seat at the table and the best solution can be arrived at by consensus and based on a principle.

Regardless of point of view, it's not an all or nothing zero-sum game.

Ed, Tallahassee FL   September 10th, 2007 10:09 am ET

You'd think if you help to write the laws you might understand them. That's the problem with our leaders today they are more concerned with looking good and air time then they are with the jobs they have been intrusted with.

Craig N, Tomball, TX   September 10th, 2007 10:16 am ET

I don't particularly care what he does/did in the bathroom.

I do care that first he attempted to intimidate an officer of the law by flashing his business card and "How do you like that"

And now he is claiming his guilty plea was not an intelligently made decision.

Seems like there were a few of those on that particular day, and the rest of us call them "mistakes" or "lapses in judgement" and we have to take our punishments.

Ryan, Lowell MA   September 10th, 2007 10:32 am ET

I bet there is alot of poor people in jail right now wondering why they can't change thier guilty plea. Plus how does being a flip-flopping coward not further discredit this so-called servant of the people?

Marty, Sacramento CA   September 10th, 2007 10:37 am ET

I suppose trolling for gay sex really is a "perfectly legal function," but come on - the guy already plead guilty and the whole thing is over. He made a mistake, me paid the price, and it's time for him to step down.

Enough Already   September 10th, 2007 10:38 am ET

Just wait one flippin' minute !!!
Keep your eyes on a real issue.
A man goes into a restroom stall, taps his foot and reaches under a stall and gets ARRESTED ??!!!!!
Hey, why not give him the death sentence???
Grow up people.
Who gives a damn if he's gay or not and furthermore if the issue is one of hypocracy, we know ALL politicians are hypocrites so what's the big surprise?

chrisfl   September 10th, 2007 10:40 am ET

Craig is officially a nut job. Trying to rescind a guilty plea months after it was made (which was two months after the original incident)? Nothing less than a travesty of justice. Throw this guy out of the Senate ASAP.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

Sandy   September 10th, 2007 10:45 am ET

Larry Craig is a Senator, a law maker, so he is fully aware of the legal system. Ignorance of the law is never a legal excuse for anyone. Someone who makes laws for the entire country to uphold, should be held at an even higher level of accountability of not being ignorant of any law or legal decision.

It's simple, he knew he was guilty. He paid the fine assuming that nobody would ever find out about it. If he fought it and plead not guilty, there would be a much higher risk of it being made public and turn into a scandle. He thought by disposing of the fine, the whole ugly situation would simply go away. Congratz to the reporter who dug deep and exposed Craig for who he really is. If he didn't have a guilty bone in his body and this was all a huge misunderstanding, he definitely would have fought it and not paid the fine.

It must have been shocking to Craig that someone actually found out and reported it in the news. Now he wants to cry and play an innocent act. If he's gay and doesn't want to come out of the closet, that's fine. But the crime is soliciting sex in a public place. He looks like a bigger fool now that he wants to pretend he is innocent. If he is that ignorant about the legal system and didn't know what he was doing by paying the fine, how on earth can he provide a competent public service to the country as a US senator? Either way, he's a loser.

Tom Anaheim, CA   September 10th, 2007 10:46 am ET

Idaho deserves a Senator like Larry Craig. I want him to overturn the guilty plea and rescind his resignation from office. I want him to stay in the Senate and fight hard to be re-elected. I want it to all be about Larry. Larry, Larry, Larry, all the time. Larry is a beacon of what conservative, Republician, family, Christian values is all about. What's good for Larry is good for Idaho & America!

Bill C., Williamsburg VA   September 10th, 2007 10:48 am ET

"Withdrawing the plea, if allowed, will cause more pain to himself…and the republican party in days and months to come."

OH YEAH ! Keep fightin' Larry, all the way to Nov '08…

David, Arlington, VA   September 10th, 2007 10:55 am ET

Thomas, Brokeback Bathroom? How original. Why don't you focus on the alleged illegal act that the Senator committed and his insanely idiotic behavior since, as opposed to whether or not he's gay. He most likely is, but that has absolutely NOTHING to do with his guilt or innocence in this case. His sexuality may have led him to pursue the illegal activity in question, but that's only a product of his being a self-loathing closet case. As for the comparison between Craig and Guantanamo, that's ludicrous. Craig was given due process, and chose to plead guilty rather than go to court. There is zero relation between his case and those of the detainees. Finally, while I am a proud liberal Democrat, I agree with the poster who complained that Craig's case is receiving inordinate amounts of media attention, whereas the NJ corruption probe leading to the arrests of 11 Democratic state and local officials has received hardly any coverage. What's more important: a culture of corruption that feeds on itself and undermines our political system (and, gasp, the efforts of some leaders and law enforcement to rein it in) or some Senator who can't keep it in his pants?

Will in Boston   September 10th, 2007 10:56 am ET

When will we see the 'Idaho Top Ten Toe Taps' list from Letterman. This is too much fun!

John, Boston, MA   September 10th, 2007 11:04 am ET

"Pleaded guilty as a convenience"? On what planet do people identify this course as the path of least resistance? This pathetic, self-serving man has become a caricature of everything the public detests in its elected officials. What a joke.

Joey Vedge   September 10th, 2007 11:09 am ET

Cary, he had his due process. People in Gitmo have not. Furthermore, it's absurd that you'd compare Craig's offense to terrorism. Of course, judging by your comment, you're an ignorant right winger, who probably believes homosexuality and terrorism are about the same thing.

Marie Gainesvill, Florida   September 10th, 2007 11:13 am ET

I'm sure the lawyer will take the case as long as it takes. Also he will take all of Craig's money. Oh well, that is the way to go.

Bob, Columbus, Ohio   September 10th, 2007 11:13 am ET

I don't usually like to see someone convicted in the media . . . but Craig was ALREADY given his legal due process and entered a guilty plea. Am I missing something? Is there ANYTHING about this that suggests that he was wrongly charged? No way, no how. His actions in that bathroom were well documented by the arresting officer and are as clear as if he had written a note and handed it under the stall.

Jerry, Vail Colorado   September 10th, 2007 11:14 am ET

I find it interesting that he yelled "No!" when the officer showed him his badge under the stall. If I was in the restroom using it as intended, and someone flashed a badge under the stall, my reaction would be something like "What the heck?". If was in there doing something illegal, only then I would probably yell "No!".

Ted, Miami, FL   September 10th, 2007 11:24 am ET

The only good thing to come out of this scandal is to show the blatant hypocrisy of the republican party. Ala, Mark Foley, Haggard, Allen, Murphy, etc..etc..

spinstopper   September 10th, 2007 11:28 am ET

Craig is done, stick a fork in him. He will never be re-elected again. Unless he becomes a registered Democrat instead of just a closet one..

RightyTighty   September 10th, 2007 11:37 am ET

The prisoners in Guantanamo have been locked up for years and never seen a judge or a lawyer. — Chicago, IL

NOT TRUE. All Gitmo prisoners have see lawyers and judges. Military ones!!
If they had wanted more, they should have been wearing uniforms on the battle field. International law says unlawful un-uniformed combatants can be executed on the battle field. Lets try that instead…

Erik, Austin TX   September 10th, 2007 11:41 am ET

Isn't part of a guilty plea to go in front of a judge (and also submit a sworn statement in writing) expressing your guilt? Furthermore, the language is usually something to the effect of "I am pleading guilty of this crime because I am in fact guilty."

Given these statements, if the guilty plea is allowed to be withdrawn he should be charged with perjury for making a false plea to begin with.

At any rate, Craig would benefit the most by letting this thing go. His only hope for any kind of political career in the future (even in the state Senate) is to give people time to forget about this. Clearly, it will be brought up by his opponents every time he tries to run for anything, but that will happen whether he's ultimately exonerated or not.

Craig will be talked about in Idaho for years. It's too late to stop that now. The best he can do is not compound the situation by continuing to bring attention to the matter.

Glen, Boston, MA   September 10th, 2007 11:41 am ET

yes, please give this up senator. we are tired of this news as a way of keeoing other things out of sight. like, get a load of the new Osama video picture. we're supposed to believe that's him. and I'm sure our government will "confirm" that it is. what a joke.

Nick , Chicago, IL   September 10th, 2007 11:41 am ET

Larry Craig is GAY,GAY,GAY,GAY and he got caught , Boo Hoo I thought this would just go away if I plead guilty and no one would pick up on it , But they did pick up on it Larry and now everyone knows your a fairy !! I don't feel a bit sorry for you, justice has already been served and you don't like the taste of it , it is what you have been serving up to Gay's and Lesbians for years and your voting record shows that . Your wife and children have my sympathy , you've ruined many lives !!

Ken W, Missouri   September 10th, 2007 11:44 am ET

I DO NOT like this guy. Not because he is gay…but because he hurts people on purpose. I don't think he is guilty…even if he did it. I should not be illegal is "pick up" someone. The learing into the stall is bad though. He, and the rest of the "conservatives" should be ashamed. I am a Christian and there is NOTHING in the bible that condones their treatment of gays, elderly, children, etc. I would feel sorry for him IF he was a better person…he is not!!!

Leigh, Arlington, VA   September 10th, 2007 11:47 am ET

Just the type of person we need making laws and decisions for us–plead guilt, take it back…resign, take it back. Some Congressional decisions can't be taken back. We should all worry.

sairam, DC   September 10th, 2007 11:53 am ET

Way to go, Senator Craig. The citizens of Idaho and our nation are best served when you adopt an even wider stance. As a lawmaker of over three decades, you had no reason to believe that you could be held accountable for breaking any law.

Your peeping into the stall is easily explained; with the steely high morals stare of yours, you were psyching the officer to finish his sitting quicker. Yes, there were other empty stalls for you to use, but you were staring at him just to make sure that he was not wasting taxpayer's money and time, dawdling in the john.

Further, given that the wider stance on the throne will normally impede the motion, like Disney's Thumper, you were only tapping your feet in impatience, urging your system to get a move on. Clearly, the dirty, deviant liberal mind of the cop mistook these to be cottaging come-ons from you. Obviously, reading his dirty mind, you were merely extending your feet into his stall and tapping his feet to warn him to abandon his dirty, naughty thoughts. As you did with Bill Clinton before, you were merely chastising that naughty boy of a cop.

As a diligent senator who has always preached a clean, moral life for all, it is reasonable to assume that your rublling your palm along the bottom of the divider was just to check if there was any dirt.

Keep on trucking, O Pride of Idaho.

Kevin Santa Cruz, CA   September 10th, 2007 11:55 am ET

Former Sen. Craig, you are a hypocrytical pervert. You have disgraced your family and your state and you should bow out with what little dignity you have left. Oh wait, that's all gone now too.
You are everything that is wrong with government. You are a fatcat who thinks the laws you apply to the rest of us don't apply to you. Good riddance!

Jessica, Philadelphia PA   September 10th, 2007 12:00 pm ET

Well said, Derian. I couldn't have said it better myself (see comment on ideological wars on extreme left and right).

I say let Craig try his hand at reversing the guilty plea. As others have said previously, the determination has already been made. To attempt an an appeal (i. e. overturn a guilty plea) where one is not warranted and cannot, legally, be contrived…is a what I call political salaciousness. Craig is simply wasting time - stalling - in a wild attempt to save his name and rid himself of his most despised label - being termed "gay." I highly doubt any lawyer - no matter the expense - would be able to save him from himself right now.

Emily, Albany NY   September 10th, 2007 12:02 pm ET

If Craig is so fond of making such "unintelligent" decisions, how could he be trusted to be make intelligent decisions as a Senator??
I would think it's basic common sense that tells someone not to admit to something that they didn't do.

Joseph, San Francisco CA   September 10th, 2007 12:07 pm ET

If the law allows him to clear his name, then he should do so, and people shouldn't bash him for selecting talented counsel to do so. Let's see where the evidence points before we decide whether he did what was alleged. Just because people don't exercise their rights to the utmost, and just because most people cannot afford brilliant counsel, doesn't justify the jealously and envy people over Craig's privileged defense. The law doesn't change just because you have a good lawyer. It would be a perfect world if everyone had a strong advocate to exercise their legal rights, but that doesn't mean it will ever be a reality. Anti-elitist sour grapes is what I hear.

Derek, Sacramento CA   September 10th, 2007 12:09 pm ET

Well, we'll see very quickly how our "two-tier" justice system works in this country. One for the masses (which don't have the influence or cash) and the other for the privileged (which obviously do). We've heard time and again that once a plea is entered it can't be changed…let's see if the court actually follows their own rules.

Steve, Portland, OR   September 10th, 2007 12:13 pm ET

Mistakenly pleaded guilty. Well I guess that explains all the hypocrasy your life has become and now your in denial. Great job Senator.

PJH, Washington, DC   September 10th, 2007 12:14 pm ET

Let's be clear: Craig was not accused of, nor did he plead guilty to "Being Gay" Indecency is illegal. The man was accused of being a pervert. Let's keep homosexuality out of it.

Nickii, Tempe, AZ   September 10th, 2007 12:14 pm ET

The damage is done, the former senator screw-up! He just needs to give up the fight and accept the fact that we all know, that he likes to get his kicks in the men's toilet room with other dirty men. Shouldn’t the Courts hold him in-contempt for lying on his guilty plea?

andrew s rostolder hillsdale nj   September 10th, 2007 12:27 pm ET

hmmmmmmm, methinks larry doth protest too much. he is as gay as a picnic basket full of rainbows.

Brad, Columbia, SC   September 10th, 2007 12:29 pm ET

Well Cary, I'd pile on here, but it looks like the other posters have all succeeded in thoroughly dismantling your Craig/Gitmo equation.

Tom W., the NJ Democrats bribery story does sound like a big deal, and one that deserves news coverage. But let's not break it down to the usual anti-CNN commentary. I've seen plenty of the Craig matter on Fox News, but haven't caught anything about the NJ Dems.

But anyway, these 11 are all state officials. That would be one difference there. Craig is a national official whose actions and votes impact the entire country. Do you remember Florida state Rep. Bob Allen? Probably not — he's another Republican who was busted this summer for solicitation of gay sex in a public restroom. Yet where was CNN to lead the "witchhunt"? Again, low-level state officials and their actions tend to make more of a news impact in their home jurisdictions.

Linda - Albany, NY   September 10th, 2007 12:37 pm ET

Like the boy who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Is this what Bill Cosby called the "I don't know" syndrome?

He should be a man and not waste taxpayer dollars anymore than he already has.

Rodney Lester   September 10th, 2007 12:40 pm ET

I'm glad he's not running for President. Talk about flip-flopping.

Jessica, Savannah Georgia   September 10th, 2007 12:44 pm ET

Larry Craig should stick with his resignation. What he did was ridiculous and the people of Idaho should be ashamed of him and he schould publicly apologize for his actions. His actions show the way that the Senate has changed for the worse. First, Mark Foley and now this. This is discraceful and he shouldat least admit to his wrongdoing.

Brad, CA   September 10th, 2007 12:45 pm ET

Another Washington hypocrite. He took his chance and blew it, hoping no one would notice. He's gay, so what. Get out. Go home. Move on.

Tony Fairfax VA   September 10th, 2007 12:51 pm ET

Well I can't add much more than what has already been said. But is there any precedent for a "recall" on a guilty plea where the accused had a month to think it over. It's not like they had him under glaring spotlights for days on end and his civil rights were violated–we would never do that for A SENATOR–we save that kind of treatment for the disadvantaged and unprotected.

Bill, Streamwood, IL   September 10th, 2007 1:02 pm ET

"Liberals will fight for terrorists in Guantanamo to have their day in court, but Sen. Craig isnt entitled to his due process? Posted By Cary- Lowell IN"

Cary,

Most Americans expect more from our elected officials than we do from terrorists. And, has been pointed out several times, Craig has already had his due process.

Do you seriously believe that the police could "intimidate" a three-term U.S. Senator? Especially a Republican like Craig who has been in the majority for most of his tenure. These guys have egos the size of football stadiums fer cryin out loud.

The Republicans, the State of Idaho and the U.S. Senate will be better off when this guy is history.

AURA VEIRS , CLAREMONT, CA   September 10th, 2007 1:03 pm ET

UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY, CRAIG MADE HIS FIRST PLEA. FOR ANY PUBLIC OFFICIAL, SWORN INTO OFFICE UNDER OATH, THAT LEGAL DEVICE THAT TRIES TO KEEP PEOPLE HONEST, CANNOT BE TREATED LIGHTLY. HISS WAS JAILED FOR PERJURY WHEN A RIGGED TYPEWRITER WAS MADE PART OF EVIDENCE. IN HISS, WE LOST ONE OF OUR BEST PEACEMAKERS. WHERER PERJURY IS MADE ACCEPTABLE, THERE JUSTICE ENDS.

Patrice, Queens, New York   September 10th, 2007 1:11 pm ET

This man is unbelieveably stupid. This just goes to shed light on the intelligence of this senator. Why is he still talking? He should just crawl back to Idaho where he can continue to manifest his homosexual urges in peace. There's nothing empirically wrong with being gay, he needs to realize this and carry on with his life.

Richie, worcester MA   September 10th, 2007 1:14 pm ET

Reverse a guilty plea?
"Not a homosexual" does not eliminate "swing both ways" or "bisexual".

"Oh, I decided I wasn't guilty after all" and "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't get a lawyer" - grow up, dude!

You busted your own morality, you admitted it, and now you rescind it?

Get real.

V., Birmingham, AL   September 10th, 2007 1:15 pm ET

A "manifest injustice" did not force him to plead guilty. What an idiot and a coward. Mr. Craig should be a "man" — gay or not, and suffer the consequences of his actions, both in the bathroom at the airport and in filing a quilty plea. Do the right thing, Mr. Craig and move on with your life.

Rose, Cleveland, OH   September 10th, 2007 1:24 pm ET

Carig- please stop this- you are a joke and who cares anymore- If you are gay- I am sorry- you bring dishonor to all gays out there.

Bos, Texas   September 10th, 2007 1:25 pm ET

More Money Talks

Someone trying to weasel their way out of a mess. Why not do the right thing for all the people who put you in office and resign, as your questionable actions are not doing much for your case. It would seem that a first year law student would have more sense. But to make a plea with out council ?..

jw walters, canadian,ok   September 10th, 2007 1:34 pm ET

It's ok Larry, your're out of the closet now. Now you go to a gay bar and pick up someone and go to their pad like normal gay people do.

A Friend; Los Angeles, CA   September 10th, 2007 1:50 pm ET

He should resign. No politician ever admits guilt. The fact that Craig did proves he is really guilty. If you are a politician, then you should know the law, admit right then you are being set up, and call the press, right then.

If John Q Public cant revoke a guilty plea, this one better not go through either.

roger, conway sc   September 10th, 2007 1:51 pm ET

I sincerely hope the court system reverses his plea and the disorderly conduct charge and make him face the original charge in front of a judge in open court so prosecutor has an opportunity put the fact out there and question him about his actions. It will be public humiliation and he will probably still be found guilty if not it will keep the uptight republican hypocrites in disaray for sometime…

Mark, DeKalb, IL   September 10th, 2007 2:52 pm ET

It's always someone elses fault.
It's okay to ask for a redo, 3 months later.
Guilty plea does not mean guilty.
Money buys your way out.

THESE MUST BE PART OF THOSE REPUBLICAN "FAMILY VALUES."
'Nuf said.

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   September 10th, 2007 3:00 pm ET

a shout-out to Cary- Lowell IN -

Craig did have due process: He entered a guilty plea. He paid his fine. End of story! Choices and consequences! No do-overs just because he's a conservative, family-vaules Republican!

Douglas H DeGroat, Wallkill NY   September 10th, 2007 3:58 pm ET

I'm Guilty + No I'm not = Flip Flop
I'm resigning + No I'm not = Flip Flop
I'm not gay + I want gay sex = Flip Flop

Time to go Larry "Flip Flop" Craig

RJ, AZ   September 10th, 2007 4:04 pm ET

I'm convinced that Craig isn't trying to reverse his plea because he's ignorant of the legal process. Rather I believe he knows it quite well, especially how to get around it. I predict his plea will eventually be reversed, he'll have a short trial where he is found not guilty, and he'll continue to collect his insanely large, undeserved Senator's pay with retirement options. Heck, I'm more upset with the amount Senators get paid for the work they [don't] do than I am about any of them playing footsie in public bathrooms….

isthisguyserious   September 10th, 2007 4:05 pm ET

I'm getting annoyed with this guy. A good republican would simply bow-out and go quietly, why doesn't Craig want to do this? What could he possibly have to prove?

Matthew, Cambridge MA   September 10th, 2007 4:27 pm ET

Martin told CNN that Craig wishes that he had sought legal council in the months between his arrest and entering his guilty plea.

First I see on CNN that Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is a Democrat (she's not), now they don't know how to spell "legal counsel." I know Time-Warner is slashing the CNN newsroom (that's why we get so many truck rollover stories) but this sloppiness is getting ridiculous.

L J Mitakides   September 10th, 2007 4:46 pm ET

Has anyone thought to look at Craig's arrival and departure gates, and just how many bathrooms he had to walk by to get to the one where he was arrested?

It's my understanding that it is on gay websites as a "hot spot." How far out of his way did he have to go to get to it?

pl. at the UN for a while.   September 10th, 2007 5:24 pm ET

This person cannot be for real–for all the reasons you have stated.

Someone should tell him that being upright and gay are not mutually exclusive. But living a public lie for 26 years has got to be a mental health issue.

The worst, though is that his whole family now needs to be treated by psychiatrists in order to deal with the ensued confusion.

Craig Tries to Withdraw Guilty Plea « Subject to Complete Defeasance   September 10th, 2007 7:40 pm ET

[...] Lawyers for Sen. Larry Craig (R-Nonheterosexual) will file the paperwork today seeking to withdraw the guilty plea he entered in a Minnesota criminal case last month. Prior SCD entries are available here, here and [...]

Eric, from THE Republic of Texas   September 11th, 2007 12:49 am ET

In completely unrelated and incredibly more important news, Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton has been tied to more than $800K of dirty campaign money donated by a felon who's been on the lamb for a decade.

When pressed for comment, the smartest woman in America said, "I was completely unaware… blah blah blah."

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