Craig is staying in the Senate

Idaho Sen. Larry Craig (R) has reversed his decision to resign, saying Thursday that he plans to fulfill his term.

{mosads}Craig made the announcement after a Minnesota judge earlier in the day denied his bid to withdraw the guilty plea in the bathroom sex sting that upended his political career.

“I am extremely disappointed with the ruling issued today,” Craig said, proclaiming innocence and vowing to continue exploring his legal options.

“I will continue to serve Idaho in the United States Senate, and there are several reasons for that,” Craig added. “As I continued to work for Idaho over the past three weeks here in the Senate, I have seen that it is possible for me to work here effectively.”

The senator argued that the people of Idaho would be best served by his staying in Congress, pointing to his seniority and committee assignments.

“In addition, I will continue my effort to clear my name in the Senate Ethics Committee — something that is not possible if I am not serving in the Senate,” Craig stated.

However, he also noted that he would not seek reelection, saying that he hopes this “provides the certainty Idaho needs and deserves.”