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Craig’s Seat Up for Grabs, but Not for Dems

Idaho is one of nation's most Republican states

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 29, 2007 1:56 PM CDT
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(Newser) – It’s unlikely that Larry Craig will stand for re-election to the Senate next year—but don’t even think about chalking up another seat for the Democrats. Pleading guilty to disorderly conduct in an airport bathroom will probably end Craig’s career, but Politico says Idaho’s one of the country's most Republican states—68% went for Bush in 2004—and two GOPers wait to snap up the chair.

Lt. Gov. Jim Risch is favored to be tapped as Craig’s temporary replacement; Risch won his current office last year, beating the only Dem currently declared for Senate by 19 points. And the restroom arrestee thrashed his opponent by 32 points in 2002. Democrats might have to forget the Gem State—and settle for another chapter in the greater GOP ethics epic.

Idaho Sen. Larry Craig stands next to his wife, Suzanne, as he reads a statement to the media Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, in downtown Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Troy Maben)
Idaho Sen. Larry Craig stands next to his wife, Suzanne, as he reads a statement to the media Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, in downtown Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Troy Maben)   (Associated Press)
Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, seen during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington in this May 25, 2006, photo, asked his family, friends, and Idahoas for forgiveness Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, for pleading guilty in his lewd conduct arrest in Minnesota, for not informing them of it, and said I...
Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, seen during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington in this May 25, 2006, photo, asked his family, friends, and Idahoas for forgiveness Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, for pleading...   (Associated Press)
Idaho's Republican Senator Larry Craig speaks to the media Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Troy Maben)
Idaho's Republican Senator Larry Craig speaks to the media Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Troy Maben)   (Associated Press)
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Outside the Beltway

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