Embattled Craig leaving Senate

BOISE — After a week filled with scandalous headlines and ribald late-night TV humor at the expense of one of their own, Republican leaders got what they wanted Saturday: the resignation of Idaho Sen. Larry Craig.

"Senator Craig made the right decision for himself, for his family, his constituents and the United States Senate," said White House spokesman Scott Stanzel.

One of Craig's harshest critics, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Craig "made a difficult decision, but the right one."

"This was no doubt a difficult decision for Senator Craig, but an important one as he assessed the situation and came to the conclusion that he could no longer effectively represent the people of Idaho," Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, said after Craig's announcement.

Added Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, "Senator Craig has been a hard-working, effective senator for Idaho. I am certain the decision he made today was made in the best interest of his family."

While saying nothing about his abandonment by national GOP leaders, Craig made a point of thanking the Idaho politicians who stood with him Saturday with a historic Boise train station as a backdrop.

"For any public official at this moment in time to be standing with Larry Craig is in itself a humbling experience," Craig said.

And he signaled his determination to continue fighting for his name, hiring a Washington lawyer who represented Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in his dogfighting case.

"I have little control over what people choose to believe, but clearly my name is important to me," said Craig.

"I apologize for what I have caused," Craig said, his wife, Suzanne, and two of their three children at his side. "I am deeply sorry."

Craig, 62, said he would resign effective Sept. 30, ending a career in Congress spanning a quarter-century.

Making no specific mention of the incident that triggered his disgrace in his remarks, he spoke for under six minutes and took no questions.

"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," Craig said.

Among those attending was Republican Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, who will appoint a successor for the remaining 15 months of Craig's term.