NAMPA — In the wake of news of his June 11 arrest for lewd conduct, some locals offered Idaho’s U.S. Sen. Larry Craig encouragement while others called for his impeachment. Many said the incident doomed Sen. Craig’s political career, but a few others contended it would actually benefit him.

The news took Caldwell’s Gary Swanson, 60, by surprise.

“That’s a shocker,” he said. “He (Craig) probably would have been the last person I’d thought of.”

“He’s done in politics,” the Caldwell resident said. “That just doesn’t hack it with people these days.”

Eldon Garland, of Nampa, was meeting Swanson and other members of the River City Racquet Club in Lakeview Park. He said Craig was “doomed” politically.

“He’s done for,” the 76-year-old said. “In Idaho, he’ll never get back in (to public office).”

Paul Wilson, the racquet club’s owner, described the incident as nothing more than a “blip” on Craig’s long record of distinguished public service.

“If the Catholic Church can survive what they’ve been through, Larry Craig’ll be fine,” Wilson said.

Justin Lane, 36, and Joe Giordanengo, 39, both of Nampa, also expressed surprise at the news while at the park for a game of horseshoes.

“You would think a person like that would be smarter about the activities they’d participate in,” Lane said. “My opinion on that is that it’s disgusting, but that’s his personal business.”

Giordanengo agreed, calling the incident “unfortunate.”

“It’s just bad role modeling for society,” he said.

Lane said the incident wouldn’t leave any lasting mark on the politician’s record.

“I bet it will have very little effect on his political career,” he said.

Rhonda Tallant, 50, originally of Antioch, Calif., was fishing in the park with her family. She said Craig “needs to be impeached.”

“People like that don’t deserve to be in office,” she said.

Leslie Maggard, 27, and Kristi Watson, 29, both of Nampa, describe themselves as “openly gay.” The couple, who were enjoying a sunny Monday afternoon in the park’s playground, said they hope to get married some day.

Maggard said the news changed her opinion of Craig.

“He’s got my vote,” Maggard said. “If he’s going to be gay, tell him to be open about it,” she added. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“As far as the conservative Republican people ... it’s going to hurt his career, but in my opinion I don’t think it should,” Maggard said.

Maggard, who said she too was “outed” as a homosexual before she was ready, had advice for Sen. Craig.

“It’s a hard thing,” she said. “It’s very scary. He should have the courage, if he is gay or bisexual, to show his true colors.”

“I think people will respect him for being honest,” she said.

“It would be better for his career if he did come out,” Kristi added.

Judy Ferro, interviewed over the phone Monday, saw a disconnect between Craig’s actions and his voting record.

“It’s the hypocrisy, the idea that he has never tried to address gay issues or gay rights in any positive way,” Ferro said. “I don’t think he’s been honest with voters, and I don’t think he’s being honest now.”

No comment

State and local Democratic and Republican leaders contacted by the Idaho Press-Tribune declined to comment on Craig’s arrest until more details are available.

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