McConnell tries to quell Craig uproar

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Wednesday tried to quell the uproar over Sen. Larry Craig’s political future, suggesting that the embattled Idaho Republican might not return to the Capitol and definitely would not run for reelection next year.

{mosads}McConnell spoke with Craig on Wednesday, and Craig indicated that he still intends to resign from the Senate if his legal case in Minnesota court could not be resolved by Sept. 30, the GOP leader told reporters. McConnell appeared eager to change the subject from the Craig flap, which has become fodder for late-night talk shows and an albatross for Republicans.

“My view remains [that Craig] made the difficult but correct decision to resign,” McConnell said. During their conversation, he added, Craig appeared set against running for reelection — a conclusion reminiscent of the Kentuckian’s Tuesday comment that Craig’s intent to step down seemed “firm,” followed hours later by Craig’s announcement that he is reconsidering his resignation.

Meanwhile, two members of Craig’s legal team wrote to the Senate Ethics Committee on Wednesday seeking the dismissal of a complaint filed against Craig by his own party leaders.

The Ethics panel has no jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses such as Craig’s that have no direct connection to official duties, Craig counsels Stan Brand and Andrew Herman wrote.