Awkward bachelor or Gay?
The Idaho Statesman reviews the results of its long investigation of Larry Craig and comes to the conclusion that no proof exists that he’s gay. That same conclusion also indicates proof he’s NOT gay is lacking, as well. So which is he?
Craig on Monday denied any misconduct. “At the time of this incident, I complained to the police that they were misconstruing my actions,” he said in a written statement. “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.”
Craig, through his staff, declined to answer questions.
As the Statesman relates, Craig said his pre-emptive denials as a freshman in Congress - in 1982 - were based on rookie nervousness. Let’s assume that’s true. 25 years later, charged with a crime, he pleads guilty to a lesser charge. Then says “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.”
Is it reasonable to expect the nervous rookie would have better judgment after 25 years in Congress? I mean, even if he isn’t gay, shouldn’t voters wonder why he used bad judgment 3 weeks ago and pleaded guilty to something he felt he was innocent of? After all the questions he’s endured through the years, one would think he’d never cop a plea without attorney or staff counsel.
I mean, Jiminy God!
It all sounds fishy, but one thing’s evident: his judgment in this matter deserves criticism. Any US Senator should know to seek counsel in the two months between arrest and his/her day in court. Now he’s stuck with one more judgment call and if he makes it correctly, he should not run for re-election.
I don’t think hypocrisy or his actions in Minneapolis provide a sufficient case to demand his resignation. But I’m not an Idaho voter. He should simply announce his retirement will take place at the end of this term.
August 28th, 2007 at 6:26 am
Of course, the Repubs would prefer that he resigns so the Repub Governor could appoint another Repub in his place, making the new Senator an incumbent to increase their chances of holding on to the seat.
The state is so red, due, in part to its almost lily white (97%) populace and the white supremacist footprint in the state. With that as your right wing, the left has little chance there, except in ski resort areas.
Unless the Governor appoints another closeted gay or Alan Keyes to the post, I see little chance for much change in the status quo in Idaho.
August 28th, 2007 at 10:04 am
[…] David Kurtz at TPM covers the Craig story with reasons akin to mine, in my earlier post. But as I said, there still remains the question of his judgment in pleading guilty after two months to ponder the original arrest. […]