When did Larry Craig stop representing Idaho?

When, exactly, did Sen. Larry Craig stop representing Idaho?

It's obvious he isn't doing it now, since he lost his leadership posts on the Appropriations and Energy and Natural Resources committees faster than you can say "wide stance."

Most of Craig's GOP friends have called for his removal. One can only imagine the smirks if Craig leaves a hearing because he has to go to the bathroom.

It's more than obvious Craig is holding onto his seat only to collect his lucrative retirement. This undisclosed amount would be cut in half if he left office before his term expires.

This is a retirement that is paid for by taxpayers — the folks he isn't representing right now.

He also has a huge campaign war chest that he wouldn't have access to if he left town.

So now we have a laughing-stock not representing us.

Sen. Craig's attempt to some-how salvage his name by trying to outlast the late-night pundits won't work. It is the same mentality that led him to plead guilty to playing footsies with an undercover cop in hopes it would all go away.

Sen. Craig had a pretty good track record around here when it came to defending natural resources and access to federal lands. He was also known as a leader who put together an awesome staff here and in Washington, DC.

Two of Craig's top aides have already bailed. More are sure to follow.

Any legacy Craig would have left for the many years of service to Idaho have disappeared. Instead, this "I'm not gay!""I'm guilty but not guilty""The Statesman made me do it" has given the entire state a huge case of indigestion.

Craig will now be remembered as a cartoon character. Worse, he will be remembered as a politician and not a statesman.

Sen. Craig has decided to take Idaho down with him. He is not representing anybody but himself right now.

It's a shame. Idaho deserves better.

David Keyes is publisher of the Bonner County Daily Bee.