Press

PRESS

August 27, 2007

Statement from CREW Executive Director on Senate Republicans’ Call for an Investigation

Senate Ethics, Press Releases, Senate Members, Larry Craig

After the Senate Republicans called for an investigation into Senator Larry Craig’s conduct, Melanie Sloan made the following statement:

“While I am pleased that Senate Republicans are joining CREW’s call for an investigation into Senator Craig’s conduct, their failure to ask for an ethics investigation of the similarly outrageous conduct by Sen. David Vitter is puzzling. While Sen. Craig pleaded guilty to a crime involving soliciting sex, but is now denying his guilt, Sen. Vitter has not been charged but has admitted to the crime of soliciting for prostitution. Thus, both men have admitted to committing misdemeanor crimes that reflect poorly upon the Senate and both should be treated equally. The only possible interpretation of the Republicans’ differing reaction to the two cases is that Sen. Craig’s case involves gay sex. Apparently soliciting for heterosexual sex does not offend the “family values” platform in the way that soliciting for gay sex does.”

Click Here to read Senator Craig's arrest report

Click Here to read the criminal complaint against Senator Craig

Click Here to read Senator Craig's guilty plea

Click Here to read CREW's ethics complaint against Senator Craig

Click Here to read the Court's Order in Minnesota v. Larry Craig

Click Here to read to read the Senate Ethics Committee Public Letter of Admonition

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is a non-profit legal watchdog group dedicated to holding public officials accountable for their actions. For more information, please visit www.citizensforethics.org or contact David Merchant at 202.408.5565 or dmerchant@citizensforethics.org