Craig Hails Progress in Iraq

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h2RfGN5EFFWcF6s4QzsXntZtUFPw

Craig Hails Progress in Iraq
By MATTHEW DALY – 8 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — In his first public comments unrelated to his arrest in an airport sex sting, Sen. Larry Craig said the United States is making progress in Iraq because of a troop escalation overseen by Gen. David Petraeus.

In a statement from Boise, where he has remained since his arrest became public Aug. 27, the Idaho Republican said he was encouraged by congressional testimony from Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker.

Craig was arrested June 11 by a Minneapolis airport police officer in a men's room sex sting. The three-term Republican senator pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct, and in exchange, prosecutors dropped a gross misdemeanor charge of interference with privacy.

Craig has since called the guilty plea a mistake and filed a request Monday to withdraw the plea. A hearing on that request will be heard in Minnesota on Sept. 26, just four days before Craig has said he will step down from his Senate seat. snip

"However, I believe their testimony told a positive story. Our soldiers are making progress on the ground to provide breathing room for the Iraqi government, and we have seen a significant decrease in violence across the country, and most importantly, in Baghdad. That being said, the Iraqi government must stand up and prove to their people that they can govern and secure their country from violence."

The statement did not mention Craig's arrest.

[Oldtimeralso]

1. Maybe he can check out the restrooms in Baghdad! n/t

[Rosa Luxemburg]

3. I was just thinking the same thing

[Submariner]

2. Isn't that just swell....I'm impressed.....NOT

[Roland99]

4. Did he click his heels instead of tapping his toes?

[UTUSN]

5. Bwah-ha-ha-HAH!!1 This K&R is gratuitous!!1 His delusion is just about as

O'LOOFAH's!!1

[Horse with no Name]

6. Since his Senate career is over

Why doesn't he enlist?

[TheCowsCameHome]

7. Great news for Larry - the restrooms over there don't have dividers.

[Major Hogwash]

8. From a restroom stall somewhere in Boise . . .

Writing his notes on bathroom tissue paper, the Senator tapped out his cryptic messages and then slid them under the door to his Chief of Staff in the next stall who immediately left the restroom to take it to a waiting press, who has been desperate to have an interview with the secluded Senator.