KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho | Accidental voicemail outlines Sen. Craigs defense; request for review denied

Accidental voicemail outlines Sen. Craigs defense; request for review denied

CAPITOL HILL - The Senate Ethics committee has rejected Senator Larry Craig's request to dismiss a review of a complaint against him pending any resignation. The Idaho lawmaker has given word that he'll only give up his seat if he fails in his attempt to withdraw his guilty plea in a men's room arrest by the end of this month.

Idaho Senator Larry Craig says he is reconsidering his decision to resign. Now, a new voicemail message reportedly left by the senator for his attorney on a wrong number outlines his defense strategy.

In the message, created on Saturday, a man identified as Craig tells another man, who is identified as Craig's attorney Billy Martin, that he may not step down if he receives enough support.

The voicemail is scripted below and you can also hear the audio of it linked to this story just below the headline. 

"Yes, Billy, this is Larry Craig calling, you can reach me on my cell. Arlen Specter is now willing to come out in my defense arguing that all he knows is that I've been railroaded and all that. Having all that we've reshaped my statement to say it is my intent to resign on September 30.

I think it is very important for you to make as bold a statement as you are comfortable with this afternoon. I hope you could make it in front of the cameras. I think it would ride the story that I am willing to fight that I have quality people out there fighting in my defense and that this thing could take a new turn or a new shape, it has that potential.

Anyway give me a buzz, or give Mike a buzz on that, we are headed to my press conference now. Thank you, bye."