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Judge to rule next week on Craig’s bid to change guilty plea |
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By Elana Schor
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Posted: 09/26/07 04:18 PM [ET] |
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Idaho Sen. Larry Craig (R) will get an answer next week on his bid to overturn his guilty plea in Minnesota court, leaving his political future in limbo and GOP leaders with little choice but to accept his presence in the chamber. After a 30-minute hearing on Craig’s motion to withdraw his disorderly conduct plea, Judge Charles Porter of the Hennepin County court said he would issue a final ruling next week, The Associated Press reported Wednesday. National media crowded the tiny courthouse in Edina, Minn., in anticipation of a final judgment for Craig, but the Idahoan appears ready to hold off on his planned Sunday resignation until Porter rules. Craig’s legal team has expressed confidence in its argument that the senator signed a plea document in a state of panic that his airport sex sting arrest would become public. Prosecutors for the Minneapolis airport, where Craig is accused of soliciting sex from an undercover officer, also told The Associated Press that they believe the judge will uphold Craig’s guilty plea. While Craig originally announced his intention to resign his seat by month’s end, he has signaled more recently that he would stay in office until his legal fight is complete. The postponed ruling from Judge Porter suggests that Craig likely will remain on the Hill next week — with senior Republicans facing another round of uncomfortable questions about their continued insistence that the Idahoan step down. |
