MSNBC & CNN are now reporting Sen. Larry Craig’s spokesman has said he may reconsider his decision to step down from his seat in Idaho. Will this mean he would also seek re-election? More to come.

Update:

It’s not such a foregone conclusion anymore, that the only thing he could do was resign,” said Sidney Smith, Craig’s spokesman, in Idaho’s capital.

“We’re still preparing as if Senator Craig will resign September 30, but the outcome of the legal case in Minnesota and the ethics investigation will have an impact on whether we’re able to stay in the fight — and stay in the Senate.” - CNN

The full statement after the jump:

“For most of my adult life, I’ve had the privilege of serving the people of Idaho. I am grateful for the opportunity they have given me. It has been a blessing.

I am proud of my record and accomplishments and equally proud of the wonderful and talented people with whom I have had the honor and privilege to work and serve.

I chose to serve because I truly love Idaho. What is best for Idaho has always been the focus of my efforts, and it is no different today.

To the Idahoans I represent, to my staff, my Senate colleagues and, most importantly, my wife and our family, I apologize for what I have caused.

I am deeply sorry.

I have little control over what people choose to believe, but clearing my name is important to me and my family.

Having said that, to pursue my legal options as I continue to serve Idaho would be an unwanted and unfair distraction from my job and for my Senate colleagues.

These are serious times of war and conflict - times that deserve the Senate and our full nation’s attention. There are many challenges facing Idaho that I’m currently engaged in, and the people of Idaho deserve a Senator who can devote 100 percent of his time and effort to critical state and national issues.

Therefore, it is with sadness and deep regret that I announce that it is my intent to resign from the Senate, effective September 30. In doing so, I hope to allow for a smooth and orderly transition for my loyal staff, and for the person appointed to take my place at William Borah’s desk. I have full confidence that Governor Otter will appoint a successor who will serve Idaho with distinction.

I apologize to the people of our great state for being unable to serve out the term to which you have elected me. I hope you understand my decision to step aside.

Few people have had the pleasure and privilege to represent Idaho for as many years as I have. Each day, each week, each year brought new challenges and opportunities to create a better life for Idahoans. I have enjoyed every moment and cannot adequately put into words how much I appreciate you giving me this chance. I hope you do not regret the confidence you have placed in me for all these years. I hope I have served you and our state to the best of my abilities.

Lastly, Suzanne and I have been humbled by the outpouring of support we have received from our friends, our family, staff and fellow Idahoans - we are profoundly and forever grateful.

Thank you.

CNN is reporting that Senator Larry Craig, who is up for re-election in 2008 and who plead guilty to disorderly conduct following accusations that he was soliciting a male prostitute in an airport bathroom.

Honestly I think if he is going to resign he needs to do so quickly and Friday, dump day for the news, would be the perfect time.

Could Craig survive? He could probably live out the rest of his term and wait for another larger news event to knock him off the front page but I doubt he would make it through any primary challenges for his seat. Best to step down, reconsider his life and write a book, which seems to be the formula for this kind of thing.

We will know by midnight tonight whether the reports are accurate so stay tuned.

No…

How’s that for a quick response?

Seriously I don’t know why people keep asking this, the answer is simple, not any time soon. The more likely outcome of the continued revelations that high-ranking GOP officials are corrupt and the antithesis of everything they told voters they were is probably the one we saw in 2006, values voters will stay home or go to the polls and vote for the few candidates they trust and leave the rest blank. The idea, which as I mentioned yesterday seems to be Barack Obama’s strategy, that conservative-right-wing-republicans will flee the GOP as a whole anytime soon is asinine. Where would they possibly go?

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