Lawyers for Idaho Senator Larry Craig will appear in court today arguing that the senator should be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea to disorderly conduct, although Craig himself will reportedly not make an appearance.
Meanwhile, Idaho Governor Butch Otter has told ABC affiliate KIVI [video link], that he is prepared to name Craig's replacement today, should it become necessary.
Apparently the hearing itself will not be televised but stay tuned, we'll have updates as news becomes available.
Update 14:59: Here is the statement regarding today's proceedings from Senator Craig as promised in the comments:
"Today was a major step in the legal effort to clear my name. The court has not issued a ruling on my motion to withdraw my guilty plea. For now, I will continue my work in the United States Senate for Idaho."
Apparently Craig intends to stay in office beyond his self-imposed deadline for resignation.
The prosecution is holding a press conference reiterating the case against allowing the plea withdrawal.
Posted by: MountainGoat | September 26, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Judge does not expect to rule until next week according to CNN.
Posted by: MountainGoat | September 26, 2007 at 01:11 PM
Billy Martin, Craig's attorney, argued that the conduct engaged by Craig in the restroom does not constitute disorderly conduct; essentially that he couldn't plead guilty to a crime that didn't happen.
Posted by: MountainGoat | September 26, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Since the judge will not rule until next week, this puts both Craig and Otter, not to mention all Idahoans, in a bind.
Craig says he won't announce his plans until the judge rules, which we now know will be after the original Sep. 30 deadling Craig had initially set for himself. This also puts on hold any announcemnet Otter was prepared to make regarding a replacement.
Meanwhile Idahoans are being represented by a tainted Senator who, by most accounts, will be ineffective without his senior leadership posts on committees.
Posted by: MountainGoat | September 26, 2007 at 01:19 PM
Martin says Craig will have a statement later today regarding his political future.
Posted by: MountainGoat | September 26, 2007 at 01:34 PM