Craig says he'll stay in Senate -- for now

EDINA, Minn., Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Sen. Larry Craig said Wednesday he would stay in the U.S. Senate until a Minnesota judge rules on his request to withdraw a guilty plea to disorderly conduct.

The Idaho Republican announced his decision to remain in the Senate in Washington, CNN reported. Meanwhile, his attorneys were arguing in Edina, Minn., that he should be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea because his actions in a Minnesota airport bathroom stall weren't illegal.

"What he did was not a crime," attorney William Martin said after the 45-minute hearing. He also said his client did not voluntarily or intelligently enter into the agreement.

Hennepin County District Court Judge Charles Porter Jr. has indicated he would not rule on the matter until at least the end of next week, well past Sunday, the day Craig initially said his resignation from the Senate would be effective, CNN said.

Craig pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after being arrested in a Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport men's restroom during a sex sting operation. Saying he wasn't gay, Craig announced his intention to resign his Senate seat, effective Sunday.

Prosecutors said Craig did voluntarily and intelligently pleaded guilty, and "knowingly accepted responsibility" for his crime.