Schumer: Dems can win Craig’s seat

Less than an hour after Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) announced his resignation on Saturday, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Democrats can win his seat next year.

Schumer, head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, called the bathroom incident that led to Craig's political demise "a tragedy" and said the senator "did the right thing by stepping down."

In his released statement, Schumer added, "Democrats can win in Idaho, and we intend to run a competitive race."

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter (R) will select Craig's replacement, who will serve out the remainder of Craig's term after the senator leaves the upper chamber on Sept. 30.

Craig's seat is one of 22 GOP seats up for reelection next year, while Democrats are defending only 12.

But Democrats face an uphill battle in Idaho, especially now that Craig will not be on the ballot. In 2004, President Bush attracted 69 percent of the vote in the Gem State. Former Rep. Larry LaRocco (D-Idaho), who announced his bid for Craig's seat in April, had $43,566 cash on hand at the end of June.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who stripped Craig of his committee assignments on Wednesday, welcomed Craig's resignation.

“Sen. Larry Craig made a difficult decision, but the right one,” McConnell said. “It is my hope he will be remembered not for this, but for his three decades of dedicated public service."

Idaho's other representatives on Capitol Hill, all Republicans, offered support for Craig in reaction to his decision.

“Idaho has lost a great leader and I will personally miss working with him on a daily basis,” Rep. Mike Simpson said, adding, “Thank you, Larry.”

Sen. Mike Crapo, who has served with Craig in the Senate since 1999, released a 413-word statement outlining Craig’s service and achievements.

Craig “has demonstrated his courage and strength in making this tough decision,” Crapo said. “I have enjoyed working with Larry, but, more importantly, he has been my friend.”

Otter and Rep. Bill Sali stood behind Craig as he made his resignation announcement.