It's Going To Take A REALLY Wide Stance To Stay In The Senate Now

Denied. And obviously so, there are no do-overs in the criminal justice system, at least not ones based on "I didn't mean to say I was guilty," rather than changing evidence or what-not.

A Minnesota judge on Thursday rejected Sen. Larry Craig's bid to withdraw his guilty plea in an airport sex sting, a major setback in 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," Hennepin County Judge Charles Porter wrote.

Craig can appeal Porter's ruling, but it wasn't immediately clear if he would.

I don't think that's it. This guy is in an OJ-like state of denial, and he doesn't feel like he did anything wrong. Why would he leave the Senate?

I say to Sen. Craig, don't leave on these terms. Appeal it to the US Supreme Court! Stand defiantly in the well of the Senate and make your votes! Run for re-election! Nobody can stop you! (except for everybody in the Republican Party and the voters of Idaho)

UPDATE: Craig to world: I'm stayin'!

"I have seen that it is possible for me to work here effectively," Craig said in a written statement certain to disappoint fellow Republicans who have long urged him to step down.

The third-term lawmaker issued his statement not long after Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter relayed word he has selected a replacement for Craig in the event of a resignation.

"He is ready to act should we receive a letter of resignation," said Jon Hanian, Otter's spokesman in Boise, in what seemed like a calculated signal that home-state Republicans want Craig to surrender the seat he has held for 17 years.

"Really, we're ready," Otter added. "Anytime you want to send that letter along, it's all set. I can have a new Senator there in 24 hours. You need a stamp? Is postage the problem? We can send you stamps! Just please, please leave!"