Sen. Craig was supposed to step down on Sept. 30 but apparently has not. Maybe he was waiting on this:

Senator Larry E. Craig failed today in his effort to withdraw his guilty plea in connection with an undercover sex sting operation. The decision dealt the Idaho Republican a crippling setback in his attempt to hold on to his seat and caused new anxiety for other Republicans.

A Minnesota judge rejected Mr. Craig’s arguments entirely, declaring that, contrary to what Mr. Craig asserted, his guilty plea was made unambiguously and without coercion.

“The defendant, a career politician with a college education, is of, at least, above-average intelligence,” Judge Charles A. Porter Jr. ruled in Hennepin County District Court. “He knew what he was saying, reading, and signing.”

No word on whether Craig will appeal the ruling.

UPDATE: Craig says he will serve out his term:

“I am extremely disappointed with the ruling issued today. I am innocent of the charges against me. I continue to work with my legal team to explore my additional legal options.

“I will continue to serve Idaho in the United States Senate, and there are several reasons for that. As I continued to work for Idaho over the past three weeks here in the Senate, I have seen that it is possible for me to work here effectively …

“In addition, I will continue my effort to clear my name in the Senate Ethics Committee – something that is not possible if I am not serving in the Senate.

“When my term has expired, I will retire and not seek reelection. I hope this provides the certainty Idaho needs and deserves.”