Craig to Skip Hearing

10 Sep 2008 // A Minnesota appeals court will consider Wednesday whether to overturn the disorderly conduct conviction of Sen. Larry E. Craig , but the Idaho Republican won’t be there.

Craig pleaded guilty in August 2007 to the misdemeanor after an undercover police officer interpreted some of his actions in a Minneapolis airport restroom as a solicitation for sex. But after publicity about the case, Craig asked to withdraw the plea.

Craig is not seeking re-election this year, but the Senate Ethics Committee admonished him in February, saying his actions in the airport and in trying to withdraw his guilty plea brought discredit on the institution.

Now a three-judge panel of the Minnesota Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear Craig’s request.

Craig said he won’t attend the hearing, despite news reports to the contrary. “I have no plans,” he said, declining further comment.