Craig apologizes, says not gay

Posted: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 4:48 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress, Republicans

From NBC's Mark Murray
In a press conference from Idaho, embattled Sen. Larry Craig (R) apologized for bringing a cloud over his family and his state -- but not for what happened at that Minneapolis airport. "I did nothing wrong at the Minneapolis airport," he said, adding it was a "lapse in judgment" to plead guilty for committing a lewd act in a men's bathroom.

VIDEO: Sen. Larry Craig's Boise, Idaho statement.

He said pleading guilty was an overreaction to a monthslong investigation by the local Idaho Statesman into his sex life. "I am not gay. I have never been gay."

He went on to say, "I believe I can still be an effective leader for our state," and stated he would keep his plans to announce whether he will seek re-election next month.

DOCUMENTS: Police Report; Petition to enter guilty plea; Complaint against Craig; Register of Actions

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Comments

Let's see what the arresting officer has to say.....

Sherri, Charleston WV (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 4:51 PM)

Sounds like the Mark Foley club is gettin full

laughaday (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 4:52 PM)

He's in denial.

Like I said earlier today... lie lie deny deny. Hell, if he does that enough times the dimwitted masses will actually believe him. Oh, we've seen this sort of thing before...

M. Boley (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 4:58 PM)

It's not a surprise the Senator would say he's not gay because of his political affinties as well as family and Mormon beliefs about homosexuality. However, the proof is in the pudding.. he solicited sex to another man in a men's restroom in an airport!!!. The Senator insults is own constituency's intelligence, they will see through it and he and disgraced Rep. Foley will be in the same line... unemployment.

Mike (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:00 PM)

When I was growing up my parents always told me to try to avoid pleading guilty to something I hadn't done. I've tended to take my parents' advice seriously and have yet to plead guilty to a crime I did not commit.

Bruce St. Helens OR (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:05 PM)

This keeps getting better !!I think Mr Craig's intellect is about the same level as Jerry or Dave

U2 (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:06 PM)

The important thing here is, if this is how Mitt Romney would choose one of his most senior staffers, how would he choose cabinet members?

Alex Rostocki, Glastonbury, CT (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:10 PM)

Craig must explain what his various suspicious gestures meant. For example, perhaps he was tapping his foot as he listened to music on his ipod. Perhaps reaching under the stall next to him was a request for some toilet paper. Perhaps placing one's luggage at the front of the stall is not so abnormal. Where would you put it if not there? Perhaps peeking through the cracks of the stall door was intended to hurry someone along so he could use it. But then, why plead guilty? No, it looks like Sen. Larry Craig is a pervert who has finally been caught. I feel sorry for his wife and children.

John Ireland, Nampa, ID (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:11 PM)

Walk like a duck, quack like a duck; must be a duck. It is amazing how someone that is rumored for years to be gay happens to put out all these signs he what an encounter with another man.

Keith, OC, CA (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:12 PM)

For one of our nation's law makers to claim that he should have, in hindsight, sought the advice of an attorney before pleading guilty is laughable. Either he should resign immediately due to his woeful lack of basic legal knowledge or he should resign for his hypocrisy as an obviously closeted gay man. He pled guilty for one reason only - in the hope that the whole matter would blow over and somehow stay out of the headlines. Since his arrest on June 11, he must have thought he had escaped resulting notoriety becuase the story had not made the news. A trial on the facts of the case would have subjected him to greater scrutiny and would have assuredly made national headlines. Unfortunately, Mr. Craig continues to deceive himself, his wife, his family, the state of Idaho and the nation in his denial that he is gay. Those close to him should urge him to seek counseling, confess his mistakes and accept his sexuality. The only thing wrong with being gay is denying it.

Doug, Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:13 PM)

Sherri, the police report has been posted. Check it out.

Craig cried out "No!" when he was nabbed by the police. Now why would a man do that if he wasn't doing anything wrong while sitting in that stall?

M. Boley (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:14 PM)

I am totally amazed that the GOP leadership did not lean on him hard to go now. How many months will they allow this one to bleed. 15 I hope.

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:17 PM)

If you are not guilty Senator Craig, then what where you doing teasing that man in the bathroom stall? Okay just tell them that you are bi, it might go better with your fellow hypocritical republicans.

Ricardo in California (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:20 PM)

According to this article 3 out of 4 republicians prefer Dick...Cheney...anyway.

http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s2i23970

Neilsen Fletcher (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:20 PM)

Here is his plea:
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/sections/news/070828_Craig_Plea_Petition.pdf

Here is the police report:
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/sections/news/070828_Craig_Police_Reprot.pdf

Here is the original complaint:
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/sections/news/070828_Craig_Complaint.pdf

Guilty as charged!

Keith, OC, CA (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:22 PM)

Oh Boy, here we go! Senator Craig, you should have just told the truth. What are you afraid of?! Its not the same world as when you were young. People actually admire and respect gays. But nobody ever likes a lying politician. You're going to have a miserable time of it in the next few months!!

AnneLouise (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:23 PM)

Too bad Hastert and Bohner weren't there to cover it up.

Foley, Disneyworld (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:24 PM)

This Senator of the high capacity he holds to state one thing and to sign a paper that he's guilty and then to come back and state the opposite has no chance of recovery in retaining this job in the United State Senate unless the world comes to an end.

He's now made a huge mistake against his own party to have any chance of retaining any part of the new upcoming election to ever recover his seat and for them to recover any part that they lost 2 years ago to the Democrats. So adios Republicans. And especially Bush and hopefully no other Bush's run for we've had with them for the present has left us in the red over a stupid war that is unwinnable just like Vietnam and it's definitely not like WWII. That was over before this one is still going on longer and worse than the others.

Gerald Baltezore, Clovis, Calif. (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:30 PM)

Larry Happy Feet Craig may just enjoy getting a BJ and isn't particular about the other sex and therefore doesn't consider himself gay.

The report said he left the stall without flushing which implies that maybe he didn't enter with the intention of using the facilities.

nuance (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:34 PM)

Nice going Neilsen

Ricardo in California (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:36 PM)

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0828071craig1.html

actual police report.

Ask any openly gay man that cruises and he'll tell you that there is no question that that was what he was doing.

Louis, Phoenix, Az. (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:41 PM)

Can someone please remind me who said "I am not a crook" .. was that a Demorcat or a Republican :) seems a pattern doesn't it?

Ricardo in California (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:46 PM)

what a pathetic spectical he is now making. Accept responsibility for your actions. You accepted your quilty plea and be a man about it accept the fact that you are GAY YOU HYPOCRITE. Who cares but the neo cons and right wing holier than thou you bee gatering to. Y ou got some plaining to do Lucy!

juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:47 PM)

Mr. Craig,

If you did nothing wrong at the Minneapolis airport, why lie and plead guilty? How could that reaction possibly be an overraction to a months long investigation? An opposite, adamant, reaction, "Not Guilty" seems more feasible.

Viola Potter, Paris, Idaho (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:50 PM)

Homo says, What?!

Despises Hipocrites Idaho Falls, Idaho (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:51 PM)

Watching the video of Sen. Craig's apology, I could hardly believe my ears. Craig blamed his behavior on pressure he has been feeling from the local Idaho newspaper. I read that newspaper every day and I have seen nothing like what he is complaining about. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I once asked him a question in a public forum where questioners had no chance to rebut. Answering my question, he outright lied, made himself look good and made me look bad for asking it. So, bottom line, I've known him to be a liar and I will expect nothing less from him under these circumstances. I can't help but giggle at his present situation. Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy.

John I, Nampa, ID (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:52 PM)

He's not gay. But his boyfriend is...

m (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:53 PM)

Oh gosh this is just so stupid.

There are lots of "unwritten rules" one follows in the mensroom:

1. You don't chat while 'going'.

2. You keep your eyes on your own business, guys NEVER look at one another while standing at the urinal (looking/peeking equals interest,,)

3. You typically stand as far away as you are able while someone finishes up

4. Peeking through the stall door cracks? C'mon who has EVER done this while some other guy is in there?? This would never happen in a mensroom unless something very unusual was going on.

Touching the other guys foot with yours while sitting on the throne? Never.

Reaching under the divider? Never, Never, Never. Ever.

There is only one reason he did all these things, all in the same visit to the mensroom. He was looking for some...

Todd, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:54 PM)

did anyone else think it was funny that his opening statement was "i want to thank everyone for comming out"

AaronD, Clearwater Florida (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:56 PM)

I swear to God I'm not gay! I only like to hang around public bathrooms and peek in the stalls and go into the stall next to other guys and touch my shoes to other mens shoes and stick my hand under the stall and make gestures like MAYBE I want a BJ. But I swear to God Im not gay. Honest... really.ahem.

bb (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 6:10 PM)

OOOhhhhLarry honey me thinks you protest too much you big strong hairy man you.

Tad (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 6:11 PM)

funny did you see tucker carlson ask whats wrong with gay sex in a public bathroom and is it really a big deal.That is in a nut shell,because where do nuts come from,why the repubs and conservies are out of touch some one has to tell them your not sopposed to have sex in public bathrooms because our kids might be using the bathroom with them,theres and old saying "get a room" Tucker do you understand now,hopefully you are not participating because I will reiterate nothing wrong with gay sex just not in public bathrooms I mean how lazy are you,and can I call it gay sex Craig denies being gay.That is some wierd sex if your not gay,ps you know how I know you gay you wear a pink tie,

Kenn"Dazed and confused" (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 6:14 PM)

YOU ARE A TOTAL DISGRACE NOT ONLY TO YOUR FAMILY, STATE, and COUNTRY. Do the right thing and RESIGN. 100 hundred years we would run you out of this great country with you sinful and godless ways, You are a disgrace to everything our great country is about. I am embarass that in our government we have such pre verted man as you PLEASE RESIGN OR MOVE TO SAN FRANCISCO

HARRY dALTON GA (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 6:34 PM)

Sorry,Annelouise some people not all people admire
your type;because you people are also are hypocrites,liars,and bigots,you can discriminate with
the best.This type of behavior is common for politicians and phonies too.

Manny, So-cal (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 6:49 PM)

From MSNBC: "Craig also lashed out at the Idaho Statesman newspaper, which reported Monday that, according to an anonymous source, Craig had a homosexual encounter in a Washington train station. Craig accused the paper of waging a witch hunt against him."

Ummm...I hate to quibble over words here, but wouldn't that be a warlock hunt then? Or was the warlock in drag?

Joey Brooman, Delaware, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:07 PM)

Manny? what's my type?! Im sorry, have we met?! please explain!

AnneLouise (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:08 PM)

If men want to have sex with each other, they should not do it in public bathrooms, they should just get married to each other....oh yeah, that would be immoral.

John Reid, Bakersfield CA (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:15 PM)

AnneLouise,
I'm just saying that we all like to rub legs under the stall now and then, it's only natural. I've spent many happy hours at LAX.

Manny, So-cal (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:24 PM)

Mike,

Perhaps you should actually do research about the things you say. Sen. Craig is a Methodist, not a Mormon.

Rob, Moscow ID (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:39 PM)

bb - I think you're gay.

aa (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:44 PM)

"Thank you all for COMING OUT today"

Beau, Tokyo (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:48 PM)

Craig is not a homosexual! Touching each others genitals is how men in Idaho say hello to each other. We all know that so let's leave the poor man alone.

Matt, Iwish, Idaho (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:49 PM)

AnneLouise, I believe that Manny believes that you are one of those who feels that "gay" should not be an issue because, well, it's not really an issue. I think perhaps Manny disgrees with that assessment. I, for one, fully agree with your statement. If he had simply admitted his actions, admitted his gay tendencies and moved on he would have been much better off.

TheJazzMan Kerby, Or (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 8:06 PM)

Tucker Carlson is one of those closet gay republican males who are pretending theyre not. To him there is no difference between getting a BJ from a man than getting one from a woman. They don't see a difference, so no problem.

bb (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 8:38 PM)

Craig's denial was worst than Clinton's "I didn't have sexual relations with that women". Washington is bankrupt. A through cleaning is needed. Anyone who's been in d.c. more than 10 years needs to be sent packing on 08. Democrats lack the same character when they are in power except they arent as hypocritical claiming "family values". Please let's start a new. I can't stomach if we have to go thru another 4 years of this if Hillary is nominated and elected. They are all corrupt people.

sonya, atlanta,ga (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 8:59 PM)

I AM NOT GAY AND WILL SCREAM IT TO ALL WHO WILL LISTEN! DO YOU HEAR ME! I SWEAR IM NOT cough cough GAY! DOESNT ANYONE BELIEVE ME! I AM not GAY!!!i am not gay, im just well maybe a little ah sort of well maybe........

bb (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 9:02 PM)

Barney and Bill on Larry Craig and gay Republicans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlyJmhwa1c0

kb66 (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 9:17 PM)

I guess it is okay to gay sex as long as you aren't married.

Rebecca (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 9:18 PM)

There is a Florida State representative named Bob Allen who recently got caught for the same thing in a public bathroom.

Shawn Brightwell, Titusville Florida (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 9:33 PM)

I have'nt been impressed with Larry Craig since his days as a barber shop quartet senator.I saw him on the today show.He was announced as an Idaho senator that was traveling the country to political functions performing in the quartet. This was not what I thought senators did as a function of the state. Why did Idaho keep ellecting this idiot into office. He also lead the rallying cry for the impeachment of former president Bill Clinton because of his rellations with his intern. He was proclaiming presidents should have better morals and should not lead the country otherwise. Maybe Larry should look at himself and his morals. Why would larry plead guilty of a lewd act if he didnt do it.What a liar and hipocrit.He needs to resign.

Todd Weston, Boise, Idaho (Sent Tuesday, August 28, 2007 9:50 PM)

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