OURVIEW

Craig should go

Marty Trillhaase

Larry Craig

Larry Craig should quit. Days will pass before the shock of the veteran Idaho Republican's arrest and conviction this summer in Minneapolis fades. But we know this much: On June 11, a plainclothes cop arrested Craig at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The cop had been looking into reports of lewd conduct in the men's public restroom.

Craig then pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct Aug. 8. He paid more than $500 in fines and fees, was sentenced to 10 days in jail -- which was stayed -- and ordered to serve the next year on probation.

Craig said nothing about it. When Roll Call broke the story Monday, Craig issued the kind of self-serving statement you'd expect to hear from a local student body president trying to wiggle out of a shoplifting conviction than a respected 26-year veteran of Capitol Hill:

"At the time of this incident, I complained to the police that they were misconstruing my actions. I was not involved in any inappropriate conduct. I should have had the advice of counsel in resolving this matter. In hindsight, I should not have pled guilty. I was trying to handle this matter myself quickly and expeditiously."

Given his steadfast denials to allegations of homosexual activity made against him last year by a gay rights activist, you'd expect an innocent man to stand his ground and go to trial. Keeping quiet for two months and then issuing denials 19 days after pleading guilty to a crime is hardly persuasive.

It's not at all clear how the context of this story will play out in the days ahead. But this much is clear: Craig engaged in deception, and because of that, he can't be trusted.

Craig's credibility is shattered. He cannot seek another term in the U.S. Senate. And he can't serve effectively in the remaining 16 months of his term.

Craig should quit.

Those supporters who begged him to run again now feel alienated and embarrassed.

Which of his fellow senators will want to be associated with him and his scandal? (In fact, Craig's already parted ways with the Mitt Romney presidential campaign.)

And where in his home state -- or anywhere else -- can Craig appear in public without this story dominating the discussion? It consumes all the oxygen in the room.

It's with no small amount of regret that this page asks for Craig's resignation. He's been a dedicated public servant -- sometimes right, sometimes wrong. But this is no longer about Craig.

What matters here is what's in the best interests of this state. Not a lame duck senator shaking off disturbing allegations.

Idaho deserves a fresh start with a new senator.

Craig should quit.