Sun September 2, 2007
BOISE, Idaho (CNN) -- Sen. Larry Craig said Saturday he will resign, succumbing to rapidly intensifying pressure from within his own Republican Party.
"The people of Idaho deserve a senator who can devote 100 percent of his time and effort to the critical issues of our state and of our nation," said Craig, speaking under a clear blue sky at 10:30 a.m. (12:30 p.m. ET) outside the historic Boise Depot in Idaho's capital city.
"Therefore it is with sadness and deep regret that I announce that it is my intent to resign from the Senate, effective September 30th."
His announcement was greeted by scattered applause. A woman called out, "We love you, Larry!" Craig's wife, Suzanne, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and other supporters stood behind Craig as he spoke. Video Watch the crowd react »
Craig had been under intense pressure to quit since news surfaced this week that he was arrested in June in a men's room at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport by a plainclothes police officer.
Police were investigating reports of sexual activity in the restroom.
In August, Craig pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge related to the arrest
No comments:
Post a Comment