Okay, there was some ambiguity about exactly what Larry Craig did or did not do. Maybe it wasn’t totally unreasonable to demand his resignation. Or maybe it was.
Regardless, certainly tapping someone’s foot in a restroom is not quite on the same scale as paying someone for sex?
The Carpetbagger Report lays out the double standard.
Personally, I don’t believe Craig should have to resign (I read today he might not resign, depending on the outcome of legal proceedings in Minnesota and a Senate ethics investigation). He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge, and, based on the arrest report, I’m not even certain he really acted in a disorderly or lewd manner. Also, regardless of his actual guilt or innocence, to me the charge is far less egregious than something like a DUI, which a number of lawmakers have survived.
However, I think Craig had several things working against him that led to announce his resignation. One, the press in his home state of Idaho turned against him. Two, his Republican colleagues have little political incentive to support him because Idaho has a Republican governor who will name a Republican to replace Craig. Four, although Craig has since professed his innocence, he pleaded guilty to the charge (I read today he is now trying to withdraw the plea).
In addition, although no one will admit it publicly, I believe that the “double standard” you mentioned probably had a role, especially given Craig’s past positions gay rights issues, his party’s positions on the issues and the fact that he hails from a conservative state. I believe conservatives could forgive Craig more readily for solicitation of sex from a female prostitute both because of their latent (or not so latent) homophobia and because they either have done, or have considered doing, the same thing themselves. I truly believe a Democrat in a liberal state could have survived the same scandal.
I don’t really support Craig’s political positions, but, at the same time, I hope he doesn’t resign. It’s not warranted based on the current set of facts.
I agree with all that. I’m also, at this moment, totally loving Arlen Specter.