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Non-binding Resignation

Well, well, well.  When Senator Larry wide stance Craig announced his resignation on Saturday, he had his fingers crossed.  That's now evident from his misplaced phone call to what he apparently thought was his lawyer. 

I wasn't aware that resignations could be "non-binding" but apparently that's what Craig did.  He intends to resign only if he's not cleared of charges to which he's already pleaded guilty.   

So Craig says when he went into a men's room stall he didn't intend to solicit sex from an undercover officer.  When he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct he didn't intend to imply that he was guilty of disorderly conduct.  When he held a press conference announcing his resignation he didn't intend to actually resign.

What other statements by Larry Craig are non-binding?  How many times does a Senator get do-overs?  Can Idahoans really believe anything that comes out of his mouth?

Update:  PrideDEPOT puts the recent news surrounding Senator Larry Craig's non-binding resignation into their pic of the day.  Go check it out.

Update:  As noted in the comments, a couple of interesting developments today.  First of all, the Senate Ethics Committee rejected a request from Craig's attorney to set aside the complaint.  This eliminates one of the conditions that Craig was using to justify reconsidering his resignation.  The other condition was the possibility that his lawyers may be able to withdraw his guilty plea.

The other development was Otter's short list of possible candidates for Craig's replacement.  They include:

  • Lt. Gov. Jim Risch
  • Rep. Mike Simpson
  • Attorney General Lawrence Wasden
  • Former Attorney General David Leroy
  • Former Idaho Sen. Dane Watkins of Idaho Falls

September 05, 2007 at 11:20 AM in Larry Craig |

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Comments

theresa

Right and NOW according to the Statesman, Gov. Otter is saying:

But Craig's reconsideration Tuesday of his intent to resign complicates the issue.

"If there is no vacancy, there is no appointment," Otter said.

How many people does Craig believe he has the right to hold hostage, while he sorts through coming to terms with what is his present time life?

From my count, his wife Suzanne, his kids, his friends and family, his party, his constituents.

NONE of that sounds to me like a person that puts Idaho at the top of his work, his agenda.

t

Posted by: theresa | September 05, 2007 at 11:26 AM

MountainGoat

Yeah, you can also read more about Otter's dilemma and get some insight to where he's looking should the resignation actually becoming binding at Eye on Boise here:

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/boise/archive.asp?postID=6130

Posted by: MountainGoat | September 05, 2007 at 11:40 AM

Mark

Only in Idaho can an arrogant fool like Larry "Wide Stance" Craig get away with this behavior. Because of the overwhelming majority that the GOP holds on this state, "WS" feels he can fight the good fight and win his seat next year. Makes me want to scream and pull what is left of my hair out.

Posted by: Mark | September 05, 2007 at 12:07 PM

theresa

Breaking News from KTVB -

Idaho Governor CL Butch Otter is looking at potential replacements.

Along with Lieutenant Governor Jim Risch and Representative Mike Simpson, Otter has a few other names he's looking at.

Those include attorney general Lawrence Wasden, Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Dane Watkins, and Boise attorney David Leroy.

t

Posted by: theresa | September 05, 2007 at 02:09 PM

theresa

from the AP feed just now ...

WASHINGTON — Senate Ethics committee rejects Sen. Larry Craig’s request, says it will review complaint against him pending any resignation.


t

Posted by: theresa | September 05, 2007 at 04:20 PM

MountainGoat

Thanks for keeping us updated on this throughout the day, Theresa.

Another good point was made at Boise Guardian this afternoon concerning part of Craig's speech from Saturday, the part where he said this:

"There are many challenges facing Idaho that I am currently involved in. And 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."

I guess he never really meant that either. Read the Guardian's whole post here:

http://www.boiseguardian.com/2007/09/05/craig_goes_back_on_his_word.html

Posted by: MountainGoat | September 05, 2007 at 05:15 PM

theresa

Was happy to, frankly it annoys me so I felt a bit better sharing :)

Yes I just posted over there, that it is time for him to grow up.

This grasping at straws, and non sense is not serving anyone, and it seems he just really still has zero concept that folks at home know, and are not behind him; folks in DC know and are not behind him, his party also not behind him and frankly he has pled guilty the one thing that is behind him is the judgment of the court.

t

Posted by: theresa | September 05, 2007 at 06:07 PM

Jody

What is the word on the street about Leroy? I have had personal experience with him as an attorney and found him to be a pretty nice and seemingly fair guy. I came to Boise after he was AG so I do not know much about his political record. He strikes me as a Lincoln republican. Anyone care to fill me in?

Posted by: Jody | September 06, 2007 at 01:55 AM

Bubblehead

Sen. Craig's supporters are speaking out: http://www.landrights.org/id/SenLarryCraig.htm

Funny how none of the supporters mention that to get to the restroom he had to go so far out of his way that he was outside the security area...

Posted by: Bubblehead | September 06, 2007 at 08:02 AM

spark

Bubblehead - Where did you hear the news about the bathroom location? I've been wondering about that but so far haven't seen anything...

Posted by: spark | September 06, 2007 at 09:26 AM

MountainGoat

Jody, I think Lincoln Republican would be a good description for Leroy. He also served as Lt. Gov under Dem. Gov. John Evans. I was out of the state for much of his time in elected office, but I believe he's fairly widely respected. Maybe someone else could help clarify.

Posted by: MountainGoat | September 06, 2007 at 09:51 AM

MountainGoat

I meant to add that it's great news that Otter is considering IDP Ex. Dir. John Foster's suggestion of nominating a statesman to fill the seat until the 2008 election, although we're guaranteed it won't be Andrus or any other Dem...too bad.

Posted by: MountainGoat | September 06, 2007 at 10:01 AM

Sisyphus

I wouldn't read too much into that group of people that Otter mentioned at the presser. Otter seemed more concerned about re-establishing seniority and the 15 months jump his appointee would have over next year's freshmen. I believe its just window dressing on a selection process already determined. Hope I'm wrong.

And please Dane Watkins? Like he has a snowball's chance. And Leroy has just been hanging on, he has no constituency anymore. I don't think he's considered a serious candidate. He hasn't run for office since Chenoweth thumped him in the primary many years ago. But he's definitely not a member of the right wing of the party.

Posted by: Sisyphus | September 06, 2007 at 10:49 AM

Bubblehead

Surprisingly, Bryan Fischer at the Idaho Values Alliance is the one putting out the bathroom location; although I normally don't believe a word he says, Clayton Cramer has some more information, including a map of the airport ( http://www.claytoncramer.com/weblog/2007_09_02_archive.html#4413470842591089054 ).

I've also heard that he never took his pants down in the bathroom, which would explain his ability to adopt the "wide stance"; it's hard to get very wide with your pants around your ankles, and having a wide stance with your pants around your knees just doesn't make sense.

Posted by: Bubblehead | September 06, 2007 at 10:59 AM

Tom von Alten

I liked your comment that the Statesman picked up, MG -- "Can Idahoans really believe anything that comes out of his mouth?"

Posted by: Tom von Alten | September 06, 2007 at 02:59 PM

MountainGoat

Thanks Tom, I hadn't really had a chance to look at the Statesman today until just now. I noticed they picked up one of yours that gave me a chuckle last night as well.

Posted by: MountainGoat | September 06, 2007 at 04:00 PM

MountainGoat

Sys, thanks for the heads up on that news.

I think that's a good move by Simpson and I'm not really reading anything more into it than what he said (appropriations important for Idaho) yet. At least on the surface it seems someone is looking out for Idahoans' interests.

Makes the nod to Risch look more likely.

Posted by: MountainGoat | September 06, 2007 at 04:04 PM

Sisyphus

I've been of the opinion the decision has been made since at least Craig's announcement last Saturday and everything else is just window dressing. This announcement by Mike now makes me believe the appointment will be announced soon. It takes any potential heat for making a choice between Risch and Simpson off the Governor.

Also I chatted with folks in Risch's office yesterday. They made no overt pronouncements but it is clear they are making plans consistent with a Risch appointment. If he didn't have a lock we'd be hearing alot more from that corner right now. God help us.

My predictions remain Risch with Brad Little replacing him as Lt. We'll know soon I think, depending on Larry's mania.

Posted by: Sisyphus | September 06, 2007 at 04:18 PM

The comments to this entry are closed.

MountainGoat
MountainGoat

Quotes For 2010

  • "The main thing is to keep everybody going down that road as we try to find the answers and solutions to all these problems. It'll be fun! We'll get it done." — Majority Leader Mike Moyle (R-Star) when asked in an Idaho Reports broadcast how the State House will handle making tough budget decisions this year, 1.29.10.

Quotes For 2009

  • "[Some politicians] wouldn't recognize the Constitution if it fell in their laps and called them Daddy." — Rep. Lenore Hardy Barrett (R-Challis) at a tea party tax protest.
  • "Just, you know, putting beans on the table." — former Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID-01) when asked by Nate Shelman (670 KBOI) what he's doing these days.
  • "I said yesterday we hope and pray things will get better before they get worse. It's obvious to me some of you need to do a better job of praying." — Sen. Dean Cameron (R-Rupert), Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee co-chair on the grim economic forecast facing the committee.
  • “We’ve been called a lot of things but we’ve never been called sneaks before.” — Rep. Maxine Bell (R-Jerome) in a budget dispute with the governor's staff over legislators' computer funding.
  • "I’m not wearing rose-tinted glasses. But I am a glass-half-full kind of guy." — Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter attempting to remain optimistic while delivering tough economic news in his State of the State/Budget message.

Quotes For 2008

  • "I am not ashamed that we use a lot of energy in this country. It has made us the most prosperous Nation on the face of the planet. ... Using energy makes us prosperous." — Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID-01) during debate on an energy bill that, among other things, invested in alternative and renewable energy sources and repealed tax subsidies for large oil companies. (H.R.6899)
  • "If [Oversight Committee Chairman] Henry Waxman was interested in doing more than just showboat, we'd be there in a heartbeat. It's political grandstanding." — spokesman Wayne Hoffman explaining why Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID-01) was absent from congressional oversight hearings into the financial crisis where, among other things, it was learned that AIG executives indulged in a lavish retreat a week after the bailout.
  • "You know what, campaigns are fast and furious, I accept responsibility that we don't have the right citation there, but the facts I stand by - we are correct about that." — Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID-01) reacting to a campaign commercial fact-checking report.
  • "There are people out there without health care, and we need to address that, but it's not as big of a problem as some people would make it out to be" — Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID-01) in a Lewiston, ID debate
  • "People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power." — President Bill Clinton in a speech at the 2008 DNC
  • "To my supporters, to my champions, to my sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits, from the bottom of my heart, thank you." — Senator Hillary Clinton in a speech at the 2008 DNC
  • "The America that we know, that the founding fathers envisioned, will cease to exist." — Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID-01) speaking at the state GOP convention about the possibility of a Democratically controlled White House and Congress.
  • "Sometimes the problems have to get larger before you can solve them. We can still drive around the potholes, so they must not be big enough." — House Speaker Lawerence Denney (R-Midvale), explaining that lawmakers still need to be convinced about the extent of road maintenance problems before they'll agree to tax or fee increases.
  • "Those people that believe in shooting animals through the fences . . . ought to turn the rifle the other way." — Former Governor Cecil Andrus, at sportsmen's rally, decked out in full camouflage, urging opposition to "shooter bull" operations on domestic elk farms.
  • "GARVEE is like swallowing a raw egg - it seems to be one of those things that's really hard to stop in the middle of." — Rep. Marv Hagedorn (R-Meridian), in comments on a package of transportation bills introduced by House GOP leaders at an emergency committee meeting.
  • "I'm a professional dairyman. I have milked and milked everything I can possibly milk." — State Police Maj. Ralph Powell, arguing that the state crime lab's bare-bones operation has reached its limit and now costs the state money as testing is sent to private labs.
  • "Idaho is ranked last in the nation in protecting the safety of children in day care centers." — Sen. Kate Kelly (D-Boise), in support of an unsuccessful move by Senate Democrats to force a daycare standards bill out of committee.
  • "This [anti-discrimination bill] is something we will propose every year until it passes." — Rep. Nicole LeFavour (D-Boise), responding to the latest BSU Public Policy survey in which 63 percent of Idahoans think it ought to be illegal to fire someone for being gay or seeming to be gay.
  • "I assumed it would be a bunch of radical college students, so to fit the part, I grew a goatee, got a revolutionary T-shirt and put on some ratty jeans." — Rep. Curtis Bowers (R-Caldwell) in an Idaho Press-Tribune opinion explaining how he disguised himself to uncover alleged communist plots.

Quotes For 2007

  • "Divorce is just terrible. It's one of Satan's best tools to kill America." — Rep. Dick Harwood (R-St. Maries) describing the work of the Idaho Legislature's Family Task Force.
  • "I am not gay; I never have been gay." Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) in a statement responding to news of his arrest and subsequent guilty plea to disorderly conduct after an incident in an airport men's room.
  • “Most of the hospitals in this country have Christian names. If you think Hindu prayer is great, where are the Hindu hospitals in this country? Go down the list. Where are the atheist hospitals in this country? They’re not equal.” — Rep. Bill Sali (R-ID-01) to the Idaho Press-Tribune editorial board in response to criticism of his views regarding Hindu prayer in the Senate.
  • "We are all Nintendo warriors today. Remember that game, that electronic game, a few years ago, push buttons zim, zam, boom and it was all over with? That is not the way you fight war, although we as a society have grown to believe that." — Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) during debate on an amendment to a bill providing for defense authorization.
  • "While we are Democrats and Republicans, in our hearts we are all Idahoans." — Sen. Clint Stennett (D-Ketchum), reaching out to Republicans while outlining the Democratic agenda for the 2007 legislative session.
  • "One of the hardest things we've had to do here is taking off our party hats." — Rep. Marv Hagedorn (R-Meridian) on a proposal to restrict Idaho's primary elections.
  • "This is outrageous. The people of Idaho are entitled to have their representatives base their votes on the merits of a bill, not on who backed the loser in a speaker's contest." — Former GOP Gov. Phil Batt responding to accusations of political retribution taken by House Speaker Denney (R-Midvale) on other members.
  • “There was one of those six projects that was removed altogether. Why? Because the senator and the representatives from that district were from the wrong political party. We need to take a step back" — Sen. Dean Cameron (R-Rupert) to the Senate when debating the GARVEE bill.
  • "I'm prepared to bid for that first ticket to shoot a wolf myself." — Gov. Butch Otter, speaking to a hunters' rally at the Statehouse.
  • "To get a kick out of smoking industrial hemp, it would take a cigar the size of a telephone pole." — Rep. Tom Trail (R-Moscow), downplaying the relation between hemp and its cousin marijuana
  • "I guess I would just make a plea saying we need the money. You know we need the money on roads." — Rep. JoAn Wood (R-Rigby), on proposed bill to collect gas tax from sales on Indian reservations.
  • "No one wants to carry the canoe bill." — Rep. Eric Anderson (R-Priest River), agreeing with Gov. Otter that non-motorized boats should also pay registration fees, but noting any such proposal will be a tough sell.
  • "I don't think we should let the threat of a lawsuit force us to implement something that's not well thought out." — Abbie Mace, Fremont County Clerk, testifying against a "modified-closed primary" bill being pushed by GOP leaders.
  • "There's a lot of things that I pointed out in my State of the State (address) that haven't passed. Unfortunately, I can't think of one that has." — Gov. Butch Otter, addressing reporters on the legislative session so far.
  • "I say let's have a hearing and take our clothes off and go after it." — Rep. Jim Clark, R-Hayden Lake, trying to get lawmakers to print his bill.
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