THE NATION - Craig's fall may upstage his career - The GOP senator of Idaho officially resigns. His men's room arrest puts an end to 27 years of work in Congress.

He played a key role in enacting a law that shields gun makers and sellers from lawsuits over misuse of their weapons. He helped broker a deal that led to legislation aimed at helping prevent forest fires. And he steered millions of dollars to his state for projects.

But four days, 19 hours and 42 minutes after the first report of his arrest in a sex-sting operation was posted on the Internet, his political career came to an end. He now faces the prospect of being remembered not for his legislative record, but for his police record.

On Saturday, Craig announced "with sadness and deep regret" that he would resign from the Senate at the end of the month. "What is best for Idaho has always been the focus of my efforts, and it is no different today," he said.

Craig explained that he hoped to withdraw his guilty plea for disorderly conduct and said that would be an "unwarranted and unfair distraction of my job and for my Senate colleagues."

Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, who joined his former congressional colleague at a Boise news conference, was expected to appoint another Republican, most likely Lt. Gov. James E. Risch, to serve the remainder of Craig's term, which ends in January 2009.

Craig, appearing with his wife and two of this three children before perhaps the largest media gathering he has faced, again apologized for the events that abruptly and ignominiously stained his legacy as one of Congress' leading voices on Western issues.

"To Idahoans I represent, to my staff, my Senate colleagues, but most importantly, to my wife and my family, I apologize for what I have caused. I am deeply sorry," he said.

It was not clear whether Craig would fly back to Washington to join his Senate colleagues when they return Tuesday from their monthlong summer recess.

Craig, 62, who served about 17 years as a senator after 10 years in the House, went into a political free-fall after his guilty plea was disclosed Monday.

In June, Craig was arrested at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport by an undercover officer investigating complaints that men were soliciting sex in a restroom. The officer said Craig tapped his foot and slid his hand under a stall divider, which the officer said indicated a desire for sex. Craig paid $575 in fines and fees last month and was given one year's probation.