September 18, 2007
Posted: 02:35 PM ET

Listen to Craig's exchange with CNN.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho made a surprise appearance Tuesday the U.S. Capitol, his first since the scandal broke last month over allegations he tried to solicit sex from an undercover police officer in a restroom at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

The Republican senator had a brief exchange with CNN's Ted Barrett at a Capitol entrance:

Barrett: "What brings you back to the Capitol today?"
Craig: "Go to work."
Barrett: "Are you intending to vote today, sir?"
Craig: "That's my plan."
Barrett: "Why decide to come back today?"
Craig: "Because I'm a serving United States Senator from Idaho."

Craig then stepped into the senators' dining room on the first floor of the Capitol. On the way he passed a visibly surprised Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, who gave Craig a big welcome back handshake.

Craig was later asked by reporters if his presence in the Capitol today means he will not resign.

The Idaho Republican responded, " no not at all — I'm here to work with my staff and my office and to work with my legal team."

Asked if he is confident about his court case, he said, "I have no opinion. I'd like to be."

Craig pleaded guilty Aug. 8 to one charge of disorderly conduct, then sought legal counsel to change his plea to not guilty. A hearing on the request is set for Sept. 26

When the case became public, Craig announced his intention to resign Sept. 30. But days later, it was announced that Craig would fight to overturn his conviction and may not resign. Craig filed papers Sept. 10 to withdraw his guilty plea.

On Monday, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a brief in court Monday calling Sen. Larry Craig's bathroom bust unconstitutional.

Related: Sen. Craig gets support from ACLU

— CNN's Dana Bash contributed to this report

Filed under: Larry Craig


Bill Charleston SC   September 18th, 2007 11:22 am ET

Senator, you made some very bad choices. I don't see how you could possibly continue to serve the people of Idaho any longer. I can't imagine that you expect everyone to believe that you didn't know what you were doing when you pled guilty. And if you didn't understand what you were doing in your own private legal matter, how can you possibly expect anyone to trust your judgement in the Senate? Please sir, for the good of the United States Senate, and the State of Idaho, go home and call it a day.

As a registered Republican, I find the whole matter very disconcerting. Ok, all you Democrats out there…jump on and start bashing….

spraynardkruger   September 18th, 2007 11:30 am ET

I am a Democrat but I am not going to bash anyone. I am fair and I'm nice to people. I also think people shouldn't hide who they are, and if Mr. Craig is really gay he shouldn't hide it because it is frowned upon as some sort of disease by the old folks in his party. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

Anonymous, Virginia, USA   September 18th, 2007 11:30 am ET

I am a Democrat but I am not going to bash anyone. I am fair and I'm nice to people. I also think people shouldn't hide who they are, and if Mr. Craig is really gay he shouldn't hide it because it is frowned upon as some sort of disease by the old folks in his party. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

BS   September 18th, 2007 11:34 am ET

If Republican Senator Craig is trying to get out of his guilty plea by saying he was in a panic then should we be throwing out any of the votes he made in the senate between his arrest and his guilty plea?

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   September 18th, 2007 11:39 am ET

Alert in the Capitol complex– take care of any excretory needs before entering any buildings up there. I'm a Democrat, I'm fairly nice to most people, but I like to bash people who need it, and there _is_ something be be ashamed of when you troll for kicks in a public bathroom.

Jeff Old Bridge,NJ   September 18th, 2007 11:44 am ET

I'll bash him for you!He deserves everything he gets!

Tap Cheney on the foot!Tap Cheney on the foot!Tap Cheney on the foot!His daughter probably got her "gay genes" from HIM!Tap Cheney on the foot!Tap Cheney on the foot!

pl. at the UN for a while.   September 18th, 2007 12:01 pm ET

I am not American.

Obviously, I am neither Dem nor Repub. I do have five degrees including a PhD in Law and one in Jurisprudence from the US. The other three are from Canada.

There are allegations, and then there are allegations. I can think of only one allegation that has the power of a conviction; and that is one of sexual misconduct with a person of the same sex. It sticks. It will never go away. If the misconduct is with a minor, or in an airport washroom, only complicates suspicions further.

Sure Senator, fight the plea. Win the legal case. It makes no difference. You know your destiny: bow to your family and try to keep it united. Your children must attend a different school. It even makes sense for them to legally change their names. It is the best way to salvage their sanity.

A Democrat in Hollister, CA   September 18th, 2007 12:13 pm ET

So what he is gay. So are others. Oh MY!! And even if he was a "naughty boy" we should let the people of Idaho decide. Whether it was panic, or just the realization that 50 years of cover up and closeting were unraveling, give the guy a break.

Mike, Cleveland, Ohio   September 18th, 2007 12:19 pm ET

I too am not going to bash Sen. Craig. His alleged crime, in and of itself, isn't worthy of a resignation. What bothers me most about this whole scandal is that the GOP is applying a double standard to who should be forced out and who should not. If Craig resigns, his seat would still be retained by the GOP. However, Vitter who actually committed several acts of soliciting prostitution as a member of public office would be allowed to retain his seat. This is only because Louisiana has a Democratic Governor and would thus appoint a Democrat for Vitter's seat, thereby costing the GOP a valuable vote in a near equally divided Senate.

Furthermore, I don’t feel that there is enough evidence to prove the alleged intentions of Craig during his rendezvous in the airport bathroom. In my opinion, tapping a foot, waving a hand under a stall, and picking up toilet paper, etc. doesn’t constitute “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” of Craig’s intent to commit a crime.

For the record, I’m a proud liberal and registered Democrat.

Bill W, Coatesville, PA   September 18th, 2007 12:20 pm ET

What a disgrace - he admitted his guilt and announced he would resign. He should resign, and stay resigned.

I read the police officer's report and timeline. It is very well put together, and most of Craig's excuses don't hold water. I think he's going to have a very tough time defending himself in court.

Paul NJ   September 18th, 2007 12:21 pm ET

I am a Republican, but that really doesn't matter. Larry Craig needs to stop being in denial about his situtation & gracefully bow out of politics.

Looking for infidelity sex in a public place is disgusting. (imo)

Tom - Dedham, Mass   September 18th, 2007 12:21 pm ET

Hillary got more illegal contributions this week (see ticker) , came up with a 110 billion dollar plan but did not factor in ILLEGALS, hey wait is that Larry Craig………………

FunTravelAdventure, Riverton, Wyoming   September 18th, 2007 12:30 pm ET

I'm an independent, former repub, and I'll bash away.

It's the hypocrisy of the republican party in general and in this case, Larry Craig in particular, that I find most revolting.

As a native New Yorker, I grew up with everybody and always felt that as long as someone isn't hurting anyone else, whatever it is that they do is not my business, and certainly not the government's.

It's the Larry Craigs of the world who squawk the loudest about something that is not their business but in the shadows, or men's rooms, practice exactly what they preach against.

He should resign or get thrown out. Not for being gay but for his hypocrisy.

Mike, Cleveland, Ohio   September 18th, 2007 12:32 pm ET

Bill

Craig never "announced he would resign"

He announced that it was his "INTENT" to resign. There is a difference albeit a small and lawyerly way of backing out of resignation

Though I agree with you that his excuss are suspect and flimsy to say the least

Fredstrong   September 18th, 2007 12:37 pm ET

No, you don't just give the guy a break when he's a crusader for "the Moral Majority." When your a hypocrite who has made your name countering gay rights, and supporting legislation that unfairly oppresses gay people, and then you get caught soliciting gay sex in an airport men's room, you get no break! He should be judged by the standards he has been proclaiming.

j.crobuzon   September 18th, 2007 12:38 pm ET

Charleston Bill, right with ya man. Let the Craig-bashing begin: Senator, the Republican Party has survived worse men than you, and they will survive this as well. America operates by arguing both sides of issues, and anything that gives one party too much power is bad for Democracy. Rove's 'permanent GOP majority' would be as bad as Hillary in the hot seat and no opposition at all. Both parties have lots of nutjobs and our mission is to pass fair laws in spite of these people while letting them have their say. You risk harming your party at a time when they stand bloody-handed over a devastated Iraq, when the president has become a mule instead of an elephant, when they seriously need every shred of dignity they can muster, when the GOP party is looking really old and senile, HERE YOU COME AGAIN WITH YOUR TAPPY FEET! Go away before men in white come with butterfly nets.

Thor Rockingham Haltom City Texas   September 18th, 2007 12:44 pm ET

I wonder how Rush feels now. This will be the 4th time in recent memory that the hated ACLU has come to the defense of a republican. That must just chap them to think that a supposedly left wing organization would come to their defense. As far as Craig goes, he should not be ashamed to be gay if he is, but by the same token whether you're guilty or not you always plead innocent and get a lawyer….jeez what was he thinking!

Wayne, Orange Park FL   September 18th, 2007 12:44 pm ET

The Whole thing is a waste of time. Ted Kennedy murdered someone and he still serves.

We all know he knew what he was doing he even in around about way admitted it by saying he frequented the place.

Grow-up America. I do not condone what he did but I do not care either because it would have been consentual.

However, Get a freaking room.

Move on. Help the needy, feed the poor, provide Health Care Oh wait that is what we should be focusing on not Jerry Springer crap!!!!!!

Skip O'Brien   September 18th, 2007 12:45 pm ET

Senator Larry Craig admitted to soliciting sex in a bathroom stall with another man, a homosexual act. He is not a memeber of my Gay family as my friends and I do not have sex in stalls. Like most staright people we think this is perverted as well.

Neal, Dallas, TX   September 18th, 2007 12:49 pm ET

I find it deliciously ironic that the group conservatives commonly deride as the "those ACLU kooks" are on Senator Craig's side. What they tend to forget is that the ACLU also helped get one of their supposed "great Americans," Oliver North, off the hook, too.

Richard Wilkes, Ferndale MI   September 18th, 2007 12:50 pm ET

What I think is an absolute hoot is that Senator Craig, who has opposed all the principles of the ACLU, is using their legal aid to overturn his plea and retain his Senate seat.

Proving once again the moral impoverishment of Republicans: principles do not matter, power does.

Frankie   September 18th, 2007 12:50 pm ET

being gay is not a 'bad' choice.

you GO girl

Monica, Lexington, KY   September 18th, 2007 12:50 pm ET

I am a republican and I think Craig should resign. I think he is guilty as all get go and I agree with the person who said he is a hypocrite. This is exactly the type of behavior he would vote to have people put away for. Shame on you, first, for hiding who you really are, and secondly, for lying to yourself and the public.

meowomon,Quincy, Florida   September 18th, 2007 12:51 pm ET

Hey Idaho, you don't like it? Too bad. You voted him in. Kind of like how some jerks voted Bush in and there's not a whole hell of a lot we can do about it unless congress impeaches him. You're just gonna have to wait until '08.

Kyle- Chillicothe Mo   September 18th, 2007 12:52 pm ET

Ted Kennedy never murdered anyone. By your logical conclusion anybody involved in an auto accident where death occured is guily of murder. You really stretched on that one but whats new when it comes to trying to deflect what Craig did. Why not just come out and be bold for once and say he's either gay or guilty! While I am on the subject of hypocrisy, why is the republican party trying to split the electorial votes in California in the name of fairness and yet it isnt being applied nationwide……oh yea…HYPOCRISY!

kathe oakland california   September 18th, 2007 12:53 pm ET

You know it is real real funny to me that Craig can be welcomed back to Senate floor after this. It lets me know what type of "moral" folks we have representing us in Government - they are no better than OJ - they are all corrupt, evil,and get away with everything, including murder - you know 9-11????

Devika, Des Moines, Ia   September 18th, 2007 12:54 pm ET

The fair-minded Dems have it right. So does the Canadian. The only bashing I'll do here is against Sen. Craig's record on the civil rights of gays and lesbians. Oh yeh, and against the hypocritical president who has sent our young people to was on false pretenses. Let's concentrate on what's REALLY threatening our country and our reputation in the world and leave Sen. Craig to get the due process he deserves. By the way if it turns out he is guilty — he's guilty of hypocrisy. NOT of being gay. Let's get that straight.
To the comment on Cheney: it's beneath contempt. Hit him for the crimes against America he's perpetrated and leave the sexual orientation of his daughter alone.

Shamus the Dog   September 18th, 2007 12:55 pm ET

Gotta love how the repubnicans always bash ACLU until it's their feet to the fire. Trash everyones rights then hide behind ACLU's skirt. That's what the REAL men are made of!!

C. Mass, Washington D.C.   September 18th, 2007 12:58 pm ET

Once again the ACLU is showing their true colors by going above and beyond in their never ending quest to impede the ability of law enforcement to protect the citizenry from perverts, murderers, and terrorists.

The amazing part of this story is that the ACLU is trying to shed their ultra-liberal image by attempting to come to the rescue of a Republican.

This guy was clearly not entrapped by the police in the airport, was very evasive during questioning, and even entered a guilty plea. Me thinks he is trying to worm his way out of this one and the ACLU is very skilled at helping wrongdoers find loopholes. This should be interesting!

Mark   September 18th, 2007 1:02 pm ET

Check your facts….. Indiana Republican….. Try again.

David, Gilbert Arizona   September 18th, 2007 1:07 pm ET

Last time I checked being a hypocrite and/or lying to yourself is not a crime. Either is tapping someone else's foot. People are so quick to judge the man and I think most of that is based on some personal bias or agenda instead the actual facts of the case.

I don't care is Craig is gay or some closet queen. The people of Idaho hired him to do a job. The votes Craig cast represent the wishes of the people who elected him. It is up to the people of Idaho to decide whether or not Craig should stay in office.

The entire discussion is ludicrous.

Melanie LA, CA   September 18th, 2007 1:08 pm ET

CNN, you have to be kidding me…
"The Indiana Republican responded, 'no not at all — I'm here to work with my staff and my office and to wrok with my legal team.'…
He is from IDAHO. Do you guys get drunk before you type this stuff up? PS its "work" not "wrok"

Dave Taylor, Bowling Green, KY   September 18th, 2007 1:09 pm ET

Did someone write this blog very, very quickly? I see one typo and missing punctuation. And it mentions that Craig is asked a question and says "the Indiana Republican responded…" so what gives?

Michael, Indianapolis, Indiana   September 18th, 2007 1:09 pm ET

Did no one else notice the glaring error calling him the "Indiana republican"? Last time I checked Indiana and Idaho were on opposite ends of the country….. hmmmmmm PROOFREAD!

Rodger Knight   September 18th, 2007 1:09 pm ET

I think it's great that Craig is doing his job in the face of so much adversity. He who is without sin can through the first stone. It's not like he's sending Americans young men to die knowing that we can never win a war against Muslims

Rockville, MD   September 18th, 2007 1:10 pm ET

He's from Idaho, not Indiana. This is why no one trusts the mainstream media anymore.

Henry Sloan III, California   September 18th, 2007 1:12 pm ET

I am a Democrat, mostly. Whatever I may think of Sen. Craig's politics, I could not support the police operation that nabbed him. There must be easier and less harmful ways to discourage loitering and soliciting in public restrooms. If police can do this to Sen. Craig, they can do it to anyone, and in a free society they should not be able to do this.

Joshua, Albany, NY   September 18th, 2007 1:13 pm ET

First off, Senator Craig is from Idaho, not Indiana. Secondly, its work, no wrok; hooray for integrity and professionalism.

Ben, St Louis, MO   September 18th, 2007 1:15 pm ET

It's interesting that he was going to resign, but when he found out there was not enough evidence to convict him he rescinded. But honestly I am more interested in who decided to publish this article without proof-reading it first. The spelling and grammatical errors are fantastic! Way to go CNN!

Denis Hall Palisades, Id   September 18th, 2007 1:15 pm ET

I was not aware that Sen. Craig of Idaho had been elected to an office in Indiana as stated in your article.
Denis Hall
Palisades, Id

John, Kansas City, MO   September 18th, 2007 1:16 pm ET

To C. Mass:

The ACLU (and the Bill of Rights) protects you from law enforcement and it also protects your freedom of speech…speech you choose to use to try and scare everyone into giving up their civil liberties in exchange for being "safe" from the scary terrorists. Finally, the ACLU is not trying to shed their "ultra-liberal" (you say that as if it's a bad thing) image. I guarantee you the next time some Republican tries to get the Ten Commandments put up in the school hallway, the ACLU will be opposing them .

TAM, MD   September 18th, 2007 1:16 pm ET

Did anyone checked the spelling or grammar in this article before publishing it?

Abu, Brooklyn NY   September 18th, 2007 1:17 pm ET

wrok

Elton, Indianapolis, IN   September 18th, 2007 1:18 pm ET

First of all Sen Craig is not: The Indiana Republican responded, " no not at all — I'm here to work with my staff and my office and to wrok with my legal team." He is from Idaho. Nect please use spell check when writing articles: see above quote. Great journalism, we can really trust the author of this story.

David J, NYC NY USA   September 18th, 2007 1:21 pm ET

Am I reading wrong, or does the story refer to Craig as an Indiana Republican, instead of from Idaho?

Mike, Cleveland, Ohio   September 18th, 2007 1:21 pm ET

C. Mass

ACLU is an organization whose sole purpose is to defend the Bill of Rights for all americans, even the ones who use only use when it works to their advantage. Like the KKK, NRA, Oliver North, and that kook protesting soldiers' funerals from the Westboro Baptist Church. They aren't as you suggest trying to shed any "ultra-liberal image." They are once again taking a stand for the civil rights of another person. Moreover, all that they did for Larry Craig was file a friend-of-the-court brief which doesn't do a whole lot to sway the judge/jury.

Angel, Alexandria, VA   September 18th, 2007 1:21 pm ET

Rodger,
I didn't know the war was against Muslims, I thought it was against terrorists? Oh well, same thing, right?????

L. Townley, Boise, ID   September 18th, 2007 1:22 pm ET

You would think that the reporter doing this article could at least get the state that Senator Larry Craig represents correct. It is IDAHO, not Indiana!

Jenny M, Saint Louis, MO   September 18th, 2007 1:23 pm ET

Whether he's gay, heterosexual or bisexual is not the issue. But,if Senator Craig gets his guilty plea thrown out. Because, as he admitted, he didn't know what he was doing when he signed it. (Even though a month had passed after his arrest.) Would this not imply he doesn't know what he's doing when he votes in the Senate?

Gilly, NYC   September 18th, 2007 1:24 pm ET

It's Idaho. Not Indiana.

Paul, Connecticut   September 18th, 2007 1:24 pm ET

This 'naught boy' hypocrite should resign if only for admitting that he picked up toilet paper from the FLOOR of a public john. Who does that???

Disgusting!! Naught, naughty, Larry!!!

TParker, NY, NY   September 18th, 2007 1:24 pm ET

Isn't he from IDAHO?

Anonymous   September 18th, 2007 1:26 pm ET

work is spelled incorrectly

Erik, Austin, TX   September 18th, 2007 1:26 pm ET

Terrible editing. He isn't a sentor from Indiana but rather Idaho and work isn't spelled wrok

Anon   September 18th, 2007 1:27 pm ET

wrok??? Seriously????

J H Zolitor, Media, PA   September 18th, 2007 1:30 pm ET

Senator Craig should resign, but not for many of the reasons I see posted here. He should resign for the sake of his political party. His continued presence would only serve as fodder for the big guns of electoral politics. Even if he resigns, he may still be held up as a symbol of the 'climate of corruption', a phase that spreads as smoothly as butter at room temperature, but at least he would have come to terms with his folly, and split the scene. The best the Democrats would then be able to say is, “The Republicans do bad things, but damn, if they don’t resign after doing them”. By the way, Representative William Jefferson (D-LA) should resign, Senator Vitter (R-LA) should resign, and Senator Stevens (R-AK) should resign for the very same reasons. How can we hope to teach our children that politics and political service is an honorable thing, if our elected officials continue to act like spoiled, entitled children.

Kelly Anderson, Boise, Idaho   September 18th, 2007 1:33 pm ET

Hey CNN, Please don't blame Indiana for this embarrassment. I'm sure they have their own troubles. Idaho owns this one.

Mark R. Fort Lauderdale FL   September 18th, 2007 1:37 pm ET

In a perfect world, Larry Craig would overcome years of lying and oppression, admit he's a big 'ole girl, divorce his wife and go find a loving man with whom he can share a real life. He would then have an article in the Advocate stating his newfound freedom and sense of self-worth and live happy ever after.

However, if he's going to remain a closeted nutcase he needs to resign and go crawl under a rock.

M, Washington DC   September 18th, 2007 1:37 pm ET

No, you people don't get it. Because of his wide stance, Craig straddles the country from IDAHO to INDIANA; and he doesn't want to "wrok" with his legal team, he wants to "rock" with them–that's what the kids are calling it these days.

Chester, Chattown TN   September 18th, 2007 1:38 pm ET

My question is how this guy isn't skewered for not going to work when the paychecks are still flowing. What was he on? "Indiscretion Leave"

Andrew, SC   September 18th, 2007 1:38 pm ET

I'm not at all suprised that Sen. Graham (R-SC) was happy to see him back.

Anonymous   September 18th, 2007 1:39 pm ET

It's Idaho not Indiana. Fact check.

R.D. Dye • Idaho Falls, ID   September 18th, 2007 1:40 pm ET

The Indiana Republican responded, " no not at all — I'm here to work with my staff and my office and to wrok with my legal team."

There is a typo in your story. Indiana shouldn't be ashamed of their Senator… that's our problem. People always confuse our state with Indiana and Iowa. We are the lesser known of the "I" states. Isn't it wonderful that we are getting all the national attention now? The Fiesta Bowl and "Pottygate" have put us back on the map! We are The Famous Potato State, a little embarrassed right now because of Larry "Wide Stance" Craig, but we're still growin' spuds for the masses. You owe Indiana an apology.

James, W. Lafayette, IN   September 18th, 2007 1:45 pm ET

And by "Indiana Repulican" CNN means "Idaho Republican"

Attatur, Des Moines, Iowa   September 18th, 2007 1:46 pm ET

He's from IDAHO not INDIANA, and no they don't have outdoor markets just like those in Baghdad either.

Brian Blank, Chicago, IL   September 18th, 2007 1:50 pm ET

Okay Bill from Charleston, SC here comes some bashing. I am a lifelong Democrat. When your party that shouts out loud how YOUR values are the ONLY values; when you hold your party up as a paragon of virtue; when you berate others for their lifestyle choices and judge them, then you get what you deserve! It's pathetic. From Jim Baker to Jimmy Swaggart; from Newt Gingrich, to Henry Hyde; from Mark Foley, to David Vitter, to Larry Craig. You Republicans might want to clean up your own house before you go throwing stones at others for their values!

SR Rockwall Texas   September 18th, 2007 1:56 pm ET

Too bad Craig did not have Arkansas Troopers to bury his indiscretions or an ambitious wife who willing destroy any victims that get in the way

Bill Charleston SC   September 18th, 2007 1:56 pm ET

Hi John, KC

I'm a firm believer in our constitution and the guarantee of rights it gives us. I understand the theory behind the ACLU, however, I believe they are misguided in some of their more high profile cases they have brought before our courts. In many ways I feel that they make a mockery of our judicial system, bringing cases before liberal courts that they know will judge in their favor, only to be overturned on appeal. I realize their goal is to get as much to the US Supreme Court as possible. There is a definite social change agenda working within the ACLU, and what disturbs me is that they use the guise of protecting our rights to forward that social change agenda.

If they were truly concerned about our civil rights, why don't they bring cases about poverty, battered women, christians who believe their rights are being trampled, etc? They would defend the right of a gay teen to speak about gay rights in a high school, but not defend the right of a christian to pray out loud? It's easy to see what their true motive is.

John, Wpg, Canada   September 18th, 2007 2:02 pm ET

I listened to the tapes and read Craig’s explanations. With regards to the wide stance, I don’t know about most of you, but I don’t want my pants touching public restroom floors that are covered with urine. As for the hand sign thing I have never heard of that, but as for the way the cops questioned him, that is manipulation of the highest degree and he must be a moron if he did not know his rights. He should have said nothing and if they charged him fight it. As for the gay thing, is his reaction one of guilt?

TC Minneapolis MN   September 18th, 2007 2:03 pm ET

Other than being a guy who was set up in a Minneapolis airport bathroom stall, what has he done wrong? Innocent until proven guilty! And the only reason this guy plead guilty is because they threatened him. Entrapment!

AM, Washington, DC   September 18th, 2007 2:05 pm ET

I don't believe that this has anything to do with Senator Craig's sexual orientation, his Senate voting record or political affiliation. What is sticking in my mind is the fact that he PLEAD GUILTY to the charge of disorderly conduct. So did he lie then, or is he lying now?

Gary Falcon, Birmingham, AL   September 18th, 2007 2:06 pm ET

Some ignorants bring Hillary and Kennedy in this story of Larry Craig. We are talking about the hypocracy by the Senator from Idaho who was elected on "family values". Now that the republican party has no moral background on that issue to run against democrats, they try to divert attention on bringing some irrelevant issues on Ted or Hillary. No democratic candidate runs his/her election on 'family values' or 'moral issues'. It is better for for Sen Craig to admit that he is gay or resign.

Tom Gerylo, Toronto, Ontario   September 18th, 2007 2:06 pm ET

Senator Craig should stand up by himself (not beside his wife), admit he is a proud gay American, drop his legal fight to overturn his conviction, and become a stalwart advocate for true equality in his country. That's the only way he can save face and that's the only way he will go down in history as a hero and not a hypocrite.

Steve   September 18th, 2007 2:15 pm ET

All right! Thanks for coming back and rubbing Americans' noses in your hypocritical homosexuality. Maybe you could pass a few anti-homosexual hate bills while you're there.

I hope you're around until the election.

Steve   September 18th, 2007 2:19 pm ET

==> So what he is gay.

So what? This man spewed his hatred against homosexuals every chance he got (it'll be interesting what he says about it now.) He used the bible and his religion in hatred as well.
This man deserves to be embarassed into hiding out and leaving us alone the rest of his life.

Brian   September 18th, 2007 2:30 pm ET

Personally I could care less that the guy is gay, bisexual, or whatever. But like former NJ Gov. McGreevy and other sexually ambiguous politicians before him, Craig took the low road by A) not admitting to the truth, and B) dragging his poor wife through the mud along with him, using her as a prop in the pathetic, selfish attempt to convince the public of a lie. It's always the cover-up that's totally inexcusable.

Axel, RKTA, California   September 18th, 2007 2:32 pm ET

I won't bash the guy either. Like a typical politician, he is doing just fine making a complete fool of himself.

William Nashville, TN   September 18th, 2007 2:58 pm ET

The inequity of the Republican party is my concern in all of this. One Republican admits to seeing hookers and his wife forgives him publically. Is he asked to give up his seat by the Republican party? No. A second Republican is arrested for the suspicion of participating in gay activity and is hounded to resign. The issue here is not just sex, but what kind of sex is viewed as "OK" and not "OK" by Republicans.

Mustanen, Los Angeles, CA   September 18th, 2007 2:59 pm ET

The reporter should have followed him into the restroom not the dining room.

Jeff from New Jersey   September 18th, 2007 3:12 pm ET

Wayne from Orange Park:Move on?You're STILL stuck on Chappequiddeck and that was 38 years ago!

TAP,TAP,TAP!
"Who's there?Oh it's you Senator!Your tap is just like Dick…oh never mind.Come on in!"
"Condy you'll have to leave now.This is a job for a real man."
"I serve at your pleasure sir."!

Keith, Chicago IL   September 18th, 2007 3:20 pm ET

TC: This has nothing to do with right or wrong. It's all about perceptions and reputation. The senator probably did nothing illegal or criminal, but the mere fact that he was caught doing it does not sit well with the American people. It does not matter at this point if he is found innocent in court. For he surely will never win his case in the court of public opinion.

Baltoman, Melbourne, FL.   September 18th, 2007 3:26 pm ET

Senator Craig, it's power and privlidge that got you into the Senate job, as well as luring you into a plea that you thought could be muzzled! You are now in the unsavory political position of being a convicted criminal (by your own willing admission). Wake up friend, understand that your perceived power is gone, most of your political cronies consider you a leper, and the longer you continue this charade of righteous indignation, the further your tattered rep goes down the toilet - no pun intended! Even my friends in the ACLU, by coming on board, are further eroding your neocon base, their participation in this exercise of futility might even help a Democrat get elected to replace you! Go home, love your family, and make peace with yourself.

TH, Chicago   September 18th, 2007 3:28 pm ET

I'd like to know more about the cop in this case. Is he a toe tapping Republican or a back stabbing (you know what I mean) Democrat?

Alex, Ann Arbor, MI   September 18th, 2007 3:39 pm ET

How I ironic is it that the ACLU is supporting a rethug?

Tim McKenna, Idaho Falls, Idaho   September 18th, 2007 3:40 pm ET

I believe that it is possible that Larry was a victim of police abuse of power. Larry is an excellant Senator and I'll vote for him again. I remember the "Anybody but Church" campain here Idaho that resulted in the loss of its best senator back then. Is the same special interest group behind trying to distroy the good name of Larry Graig? Think about it!

Having been a victim of police abuse of power myself. I understand the process of pleading quilty to make the false charge go away.

Last year I held a benefit concert (non-alcohol) here in Idaho Falls to raise money for the food bank and local recovery centers. The police arrived in mass after 11:15 to shut it down and in the course of conversations I was arrested for a false charge of assalt and battery on and officer, distubing the peace with intent to fight, and failure to show ID in an investigation. I was hand cuffed and taken to jail. The judicial system basically forced me, by the circumsatances to plead guilty to a reduced charge of disturbing the peace even though I did nothing illegal other than tell the officer to F.O. which I quickly found out that in Idaho free speech is not permitted.

Larry's problems just don't all add up. I've never seen solicitaion in Airport restrooms, folks are to stressed out by TSA taking their water, deoderants tooth paste and such.

It all boils down to one man's word against another. One Senators word against a police officer. Who do you trust? Look at Larry's political power. Are there powers out there that want him removed. You bet, why did this power want Frank Church removed from office? Looks like same same to me. Just a different plan of attack. And this attack is hitting below the belt. Ha! (Now that's funny I don't care who you are!)

In Larry's case what is the real issue? Energy? Sound like a conspiracy? I work in the nuke industry and I've seen some really bad things happen to folks because they didn't conform. Don't believe what is in front of your eyes.

James, Phoenix AZ   September 18th, 2007 3:40 pm ET

Posted By Tom - Dedham, Mass : September 18, 2007 12:21 pm

Very funny… and considering how many typos in the article about Larry Craig I suspect your comments are more TRUE than humorous.

S. Nash   September 18th, 2007 3:40 pm ET

>>On the way he passed a visibly surprised Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, who gave Craig a big welcome back handshake.<<

Lindsey, do you know where that hand of Craig's has been?

fran denver co   September 18th, 2007 3:45 pm ET

this is what that chair will do to you! when you get in that chair you do not want to give it up. the power of politics and the politics of power!

Axel, RKTA, California   September 18th, 2007 3:52 pm ET

Posted By TH, Chicago : September 18, 2007 3:28 pm:
"I'd like to know more about the cop in this case. Is he a toe tapping Republican or a back stabbing (you know what I mean) Democrat?"

Yeah, TH, we do know what you mean. That is why I don't see any need to bash politicians, whether they are Democrats, Republicans, or whatever. They are experts at making fools of themselves. And as you so eloquently point out, so are most of their supporters.

Anton, Columbus, Ohio   September 18th, 2007 4:05 pm ET

Gee what a surprise, Senator Graham greeted him. I'm sure Senator McConnell was too. Maybe they wall went out to dinner afterwards.

christy Albuquerque NM   September 18th, 2007 4:07 pm ET

Larry Craig aka Solicitor En Route should have been terminated as soon as he reached Capitol Hill. DO NOT FORGET, the Solicitor En Route, flying 1st Class, deplanes to use the men's room in Minneapolis & denies his solicitous actions. Then hurries outta there, with the hard copy Complaint, in hand, that he files a month later, Guilty As Charged!! What's the big hurry? To continue onto Capitol Hill so he, as a Senator, can vote NO to censure U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales aka gonzo. Resignation? No. Termination? Yes. Termination w/o compensation. Why should Capitol Hill's white collar criminals be awarded government pensions paid by the Citizens of The USA.

H. Householder   September 18th, 2007 4:10 pm ET

Well I doubt being either Republican or Democrat is the issue. No one should plead guilty unless they are guilty. I imagine a frightened uneducated individual who has never had a day in their life go right, would panic and plead, but an educated, white man who is a Senator, give me a break. So the ultimate moral of the story (no pun intended) "Careful who you play footsie with, it could be a cop". I have to laugh, it brought back a day when I was very young and spinning a tale to my Mother to cover something I had done wrong…and she calmly stated, "Thou doth protest to much"..Thank you to the Bard for busting me then and the Senator now!

Dick Houston, TX   September 18th, 2007 4:17 pm ET

I'm sure Senator Craig is thankful to O J Simpson for taking the heat off of him. Of course, it's not a question of the Senator's sexual orientation as much as his hypocrisy and mendacity. Is this the bes the American electorate can do?

John Smart, Los Angeles, California   September 18th, 2007 4:18 pm ET

This says it all: the American Civil Liberties Union filed a brief in court Monday… When a conservative gets in trouble they always coming running to us liberals for help.

Bill, Tacoma, WA   September 18th, 2007 4:32 pm ET

This has, or should have, nothing to do with party. I despise what public rest rooms have become–ours kids use them! They need to be cleaned up–of obscene graffitti and sexual solicitations.

But, we do force gays into the closet. And to me, the issue of hypocrisy is overshadowed by the fact that the majority of Craig's constituents obviously are opposed to gay rights, and he is THEIR representative, not his own. It could be argued that he was doing their bidding in his votes (no matter how blind it was).

Peggy, Spokane, WA   September 18th, 2007 4:35 pm ET

Senator Craig knew exactly what he was doing and is a disgrace to the U.S. and should step down as he said he was going to do. Let our country move away from this type of thing in the future and hold everyone in office accountable! Keep going back to Idaho, Senator Craig…and good riddance!

Cascade, colorado   September 18th, 2007 4:58 pm ET

He's TAP TAP TAPPING AS FAST AS HE CAN

Jim, Santa Rosa, California   September 18th, 2007 5:35 pm ET

I'm not going to bash Senator Craig, but rather question Republican so called "morality". When you repress people who are different, you take the chance of ensnaring one of your own. If being gay was a non-issue, Senator Craig could find the man to man association he desperately craves and no one would think anything of it.

Ree-Washington DC   September 18th, 2007 5:43 pm ET

What a disgrace to the state of Idaho, members of Congress, and the American people, that's republicans for ya, always keep a scandal going on the hill..talk about jerks!

S Palmer, Magna, UT   September 18th, 2007 6:06 pm ET

There are enough tainted politicians from both parties on Capitol Hill and enough alligations to go around for each. I believe resignation from them ALL would greatly be an improvement based upon this being the action they ALL offer to resolve accusations and other trivial inuendo, but unfortunately we still have a government that needs to be run and it is time that they rally together to resolve far less petty issues. As to whether or not he (Sen Craig) is guilty of any crime, he like us all should have our day in court. "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone" … I am glad see that the ACLU filed a statement as friend of the court in his behalf and agree with them for doing it. It is time for his accusers to step down an introspectively evaluate themselves before they cast stones. Besides, there is getting to be enough mud out there to get mired in … and none of this really helps address the needs of our country at this time.

Pookums, Los Angeles, CA   September 18th, 2007 6:23 pm ET

The issue here is not whether these mensroom stings should be taking place, or whether Craig really committed any crime. The issue, and which is the reason for his downfall, is this man has built a career out of gay bashing and now he's caught … um, red handed. Those who scream the loudest indeed.

Kevin, Asbury Park, NJ   September 18th, 2007 7:10 pm ET

I wonder how Larry Craig, the original Tap-Dancing Kid from Boise, feels about the ACLU supporting him in his legal predicament. I'm sure he appreciates the effort; but if the table were turned, and it wasn't him asking to have his conviction overturned, or the case dismissed, would Senator Wide Stance praise the left-leaning ACLU for defending an accused sexual panderer–even worse, an accused homosexual?!?

The hypocrisy flows from a font without end.

Bill   September 18th, 2007 8:14 pm ET

Does Larry Craig really expect us to believe he is a victim of police abuse? Let us not forget that there have been rumors for twenty years as to his sexual preferences. Now he gets busted in a restrrom going "through the motions" of soliciting sex. This man is gay and has exhibited devient sexual/criminal behavior. And to make matters worse he dragged his family into this by forcing his kids to go on tv and back him up! What a coward…

Frank Honolulu HI   September 18th, 2007 9:53 pm ET

Funny, when the shoe is on the other foot, republicans will bash for years without thinking twice. But if one of them has an issue then they hold their hands up and say "please don't bash me" poor little me.
They are the most two faced people on the planet. Did you wonder yon republican why it took so long for you to get into power? Hipocrites!

Tom - Dedham, Mass   September 20th, 2007 9:26 am ET

The point you ACLU lovers are making is a misleading one.

He did NOT ask them to do anything on his behalf, they are doing it totally for their own "ideals".

Their ideals include going after the authorities here who are trying to rid these areas of the pigs that are "looking for love in all the wrong places". And the "pigs" include Craig.

The ACLU is against every measure that would make this country safer and that includes checking bags and people at airports, train stations etc, etc.

They are against random checking or any checking, how bleeping messed up is that?

But when you go to their headquarters, there is a sign that warns all visitors "That all bags are subject to search".

Kumbya….Hypocracy……..Kumbya…

Bill Clinton NYC   September 20th, 2007 2:38 pm ET

The ACLU is saying Crag's bust was unconstitutional. Just like Clinton, Craig's sexual life is no one's business but his own.

Craig is a Senator and has every right to go back to work.

The ACLU protests "random" baggage searches not searches with probable cause. "If" there is a sign at the ACLU's office saying that bags are subject to search that doesn't "random searches"

* I am a Democrat who had no knowledge of Craig prior to this story.

Emily Curtain   September 22nd, 2007 2:54 pm ET

For those who are assuming Craig is gay, go back and read the story the Idaho Statesman published the day after this broke.

They spent 10 months investigating and essential put every rumor to rest. The only thing they had was a source who refused to be named, who they describe as questionable, who claims he believes he had an encounter with Craig sometime in 2004.

More telling to me is that no one has come forward since this broke. With the media circus that has surrounded this, if any one had a story to tell they would have by now. And they would be able to collect $1 million from Larry Flynt!!!

So were are the men who can say they had anything to do with Larry Craig? Perhaps they don't exist?

And perhaps too many people have jumped to a conclusion about this man without any evidence - and based solely on the word of a cop who was bound and determined to arrest someone.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that CNN makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and CNN may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2007 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com