Judge Denies Craig Motion
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MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota judge today rejected Senator Craig’s bid to withdraw his guilty plea in an airport sex sting, a major setback in Mr. Craig’s effort to clear his name and hang onto his Senate seat.
“Because the defendant’s plea was accurate, voluntary and intelligent, and because the conviction is supported by the evidence … the Defendant’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea is denied,” Judge Charles Porter of Hennepin County wrote.
Mr. Craig can appeal Judge Porter’s ruling, but it wasn’t immediately clear if he would.
When the charges first surfaced he said he would resign by September 30. But then he decided to attempt to reopen his legal case, and said he would stay at least until he found out whether he could withdraw his plea.
Mr. Craig has maintained his innocence and said that his actions in the airport bathroom were misconstrued by the police officer who arrested him.
