CRAPO: CRAIG'S LENGTHY SERVICE, CONSISTENT ADVOCACY BENEFITED IDAHOANS

Washington , DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo released the following statement regarding the resignation of Idaho senior Senator Larry Craig:

"For more than two decades, Larry Craig has consistently put Idaho first in his public service career.   Today, he did so again in announcing his decision to resign his position as U.S. Senator from Idaho.

"As I have said over the last week, I will accept any decision that my friend Senator Craig makes regarding the unfortunate circumstances he presently faces.   As such, I am comfortable that he has determined that this is the best course of action he can take for his wife and family, his state and his nation.   He has demonstrated his courage and strength in making this tough decision.

"During his long and distinguished tenure in Congress, he has solidly championed common-sense solutions and brought a strong tenacity to important issues to our state and our nation.   His certainty and consistency have provided a base for many public policy debates on a wide range of issues, including agriculture, fiscal responsibility, immigration, community and economic development, transportation and natural resources.   He was advocating for a Balanced Budget Amendment long before most Members of Congress would even recognize the out-of-control spending by the federal government.   He has been a strong voice for improving our nation's energy security, most particularly nuclear energy.   The efforts he has undertaken over the years regarding agriculture and natural resources have helped build strong rural economies in Idaho and across the country.   His conservative voice has spoken out in favor of legislation and efforts to limit the federal government and to ensure that Idahoans and every American have liberty, opportunity and security.   In addition, he has provided consistent advocacy for Idahoans who have come to him for help with problems they are experiencing with federal agencies.   Early in his career, he laid out a mission and philosophy that put Idahoans first, and he has lived up to that creed throughout his public service.

"Today is a sad day for me as I recognize that Senator Craig has made clear his intentions to leave the U.S. Senate.   He has been my colleague for many years, and I have enjoyed working with Larry, but, more importantly, he has been my friend.   It is my hope that as history judges Senator Craig, that his successes, accomplishments and strong leadership for Idaho in Congress are taken in totality, and that those he served so admirably in Congress for five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and three terms in the U.S. Senate will recall the full measure of the man."