The Political Chase

Guilty Plea Interruptus

Forget the resignation announcement for now. Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) has decided he will stick around until Hennepin County, MN Judge Charles Porter rules on his case. Roll Call (sub. req.) reports the judge will likely not issue his ruling until next month.

If Judge Porter’s remarks and focus in the 40-minute hearing are indicative of his initial assessment, things may not look so good for the Senator. Judge Porter repeatedly questioned Craig’s attorney but only asked the prosecutor one procedural question. Furthermore, casting doubt on Craig’s motion to withdraw, Porter asked Craig’s attorney why he should withdraw the plea, followed by, “That’s what he did in in his petition — admit what he did.”

Strangely enough, Craig seems to think if the judge rules in his favor it will clear his name.

Today was a major step in the legal effort to clear my name,” Craig said in a statement. “The court has not issued a ruling on my motion to withdraw my guilty plea. For now, I will continue my work in the United States Senate for Idaho.

If the judge allows the plea to be withdrawn, it doesn’t end there. Instead, it starts all over. Craig would have to enter a not guilty plea and then face a jury trial.

I find it hard to believe Craig’s “good name” will be restored by any successful motion to withdraw or even if acquitted by a jury.