Larry Craig Loses Appeal

By Jill Kuraitis, 12-09-08

Sen. Larry Craig, R-ID, has lost his appeal to wipe out his guilty plea in a Minneapolis airport bathroom sting, where an undercover police officer arrested him for soliciting gay sex.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals convened a three-judge panel, who agreed with the county judge who rejected Craig’s original appeal to withdraw his guilty plea.

He can still appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court, but one of the judges who ruled today said Craig’s original plea was “accurate, voluntary and intelligent.” The same judge also said the plea was “supported by the evidence.”

That seems to make it unlikely that further appeals would succeed, but Craig’s pursuit to reverse his plea has been dogged and determined.

In its letter of admonishment to Craig, members of the Senate Ethics Committee found that Craig broke a Senate rule by not asking the committee’s permission before spending more than $200,000 in leftover campaign money to try to overturn his plea.

The committee then allowed Craig to set up a defense fund to help pay legal bills and debts, most of which are from Washington, D.C., criminal defense attorney, Billy Martin. Craig opened up the legal expense fund in June under the name “The Fund for Justice” but as of November 7, there was just $4,645 in it.  Donors are allowed to give up to $10,000 to the expense fund, although lobbyists are prohibited from contributing.

Craig decided not to run for re-election and will retire in January. Lt. Gov. Jim Risch (R) won the election to replace him.

After today’s ruling, Craig issued this statement: “I am extremely disappointed by the action of the Minnesota Court of Appeals.  I disagree with their conclusion and remain steadfast in my belief that nothing criminal or improper occurred at the Minneapolis airport. I maintain my innocence, and currently my attorneys and I are reviewing the decision and looking into the possibility of appealing. I would like to thank all of those who have continued to support me and my family throughout this difficult time.”

UPDATE:  Alert readers have emailed me reminders that Tuesday, Dec. 16, the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce is holding a “Let’s Thank Larry” luncheon.