Idaho Statesman refutes Craig's allegation

BOISE, Idaho, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- An Idaho newspaper denies allegations by Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, that it spread a rumor from a blogger that the senator is gay.

"The Idaho Statesman did not report a story based on a rumor by a blogger, as did at least four other Idaho media and several national media last fall," said Vicki Gowler, Statesman editor and vice president. "Instead, our reporter spent about five months pursuing the truth. He did not have to spread the rumor. It was widely known."

Gowler said the investigation included an in-depth interview with a credible source who described having sex with the senator in a men's restroom at Union Station."

The newspaper also questioned Craig's comment Tuesday that he had kept Idaho Gov. Butch Otter and "all of the delegation totally informed about the decision process I was in, and that I had not made a final decision as to whether I would resign or stay in office."

Otter, however, told the newspaper he was "surprised and concerned" when he learned Craig was reconsidering his resignation.