Larry Craig facts for kids

Lawrence Edwin Craig (born July 20, 1945) is a retired American politician from Idaho. He was a member of the Republican Party. Craig served Idaho in the United States Senate from 1991 to 2009. Before that, he represented Idaho's 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 1991.

Born in Council, Idaho, Craig grew up on a ranch. He studied political science at the University of Idaho. After college, he worked in his family's ranching business. He also served briefly in the Idaho Army National Guard. Craig began his political career in the Idaho Senate in 1974. He was re-elected several times. In 1980, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served there for ten years. In 1990, he won a seat in the U.S. Senate. He was re-elected in 1996 and 2002.

In 2007, a public incident led to widespread attention. Craig announced he would resign from the Senate. However, he later changed his mind. He chose to finish his term but did not seek re-election in 2008.

Quick facts for kids Larry Craig
United States Senator from Idaho
In office January 3, 1991 – January 3, 2009
Preceded by	Jim McClure
Succeeded by	Jim Risch
Senate positions Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee In office January 3, 2007 – August 29, 2007 Preceded by Daniel Akaka Succeeded by Richard Burr Chair of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee In office January 3, 2005 – January 3, 2007 Preceded by Arlen Specter Succeeded by Daniel Akaka Chair of the Senate Aging Committee In office January 3, 2003 – January 3, 2005 Preceded by John Breaux Succeeded by Gordon H. Smith In office January 20, 2001 – June 6, 2001 Preceded by John Breaux Succeeded by John Breaux
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Idaho's 1st district
In office January 3, 1981 – January 3, 1991
Preceded by	Steve Symms
Succeeded by	Larry LaRocco
Member of the Idaho Senate from the 10th district
In office 1974–1980
Succeeded by	Roger Fairchild
Personal details
Born	Lawrence Edwin Craig (1945-07-20) July 20, 1945 (age 80) Council, Idaho, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Suzanne Thompson ​ (m. 1983)​
Education	University of Idaho (BA)
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1970–1972
Rank	Private first class
Unit	Army National Guard  • Idaho Army National Guard

Early Life and Education

Larry Craig was born in Council, Idaho, on July 20, 1945. He grew up on a ranch near Midvale, Idaho. In 1969, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Idaho. While at the university, he was the student body president. He also joined the Delta Chi fraternity.

After college, he briefly attended George Washington University. He then returned to his family's ranching business in 1971. Craig served in the Idaho Army National Guard from 1970 to 1972. He reached the rank of Private First Class. He received an honorable discharge after his service. In 1983, Craig married Suzanne Scott. He adopted her three children from a previous marriage. He now has nine grandchildren through his adopted children.

Political Career

Serving in the Idaho Legislature

Larry Craig started his political career in Idaho. He was elected to the Idaho Senate in 1974. He was re-elected two more times, serving until 1980.

Representing Idaho in Congress

In 1980, Craig was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He represented Idaho's 1st Congressional District. He took over the seat from Steve Symms. Craig was re-elected four times, serving in the House until 1991. During his time in the House, he supported President Ronald Reagan's efforts to improve vocational education. He also served on the House Ethics Committee.

Time in the U.S. Senate

In 1990, Craig ran for the United States Senate. He won the election, defeating Ron J. Twilegar. He was re-elected in 1996 and again in 2002. In 1995, Craig formed a barbershop quartet called The Singing Senators. He sang with Senators Trent Lott, John Ashcroft, and Jim Jeffords.

From 1997 to 2003, Craig served as the Senate Republican Policy Committee chairman. He then became chairman of the Special Committee on Aging. After the 2006 election, he became a leading member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. He also served on the Appropriations Committee and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Craig has always supported a balanced budget amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment would require the government to spend only what it takes in. In 2003, he delayed over 200 Air Force promotions. He did this to try and get new C-130 cargo planes stationed in Idaho.

Craig supported a program for guest workers. In 2005, he tried to add an amendment to a bill that would have given legal status to many farm workers. He also supported the USA PATRIOT Act, which was a law passed after the September 11 attacks. Craig also supported a federal law about marriage definitions.

Public Controversy and Retirement

On June 11, 2007, an incident occurred at the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. Craig was accused of disorderly conduct. He later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge. This event became a major national news story.

The bathroom at the Minneapolis–St. Paul airport where the 2007 incident occurred

On September 1, 2007, Craig announced he would resign from the Senate. However, he later changed his mind. He decided to finish his term, which ended on January 3, 2009. He did not run for re-election in 2008. Jim Risch succeeded him in the Senate.

In 2012, the Federal Election Commission sued Craig. They said he improperly used campaign funds for his legal defense. In 2014, a federal court ordered him to repay the money. This decision was upheld in 2016.

Other Activities

In 2007, Larry Craig was inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame. He has also served on the board of directors for the National Rifle Association of America. After retiring from the Senate, Craig opened a consulting firm called New West Strategies. The firm focused on energy issues and closed in 2019. In 2014, he served as the financial chair for the Idaho Republican Party.

Images for kids

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  Senator Larry Craig with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard B. Myers and Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz at The Pentagon on December 13, 2002

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  Craig with Rick Santorum, Frank Murkowski, and Kay Bailey Hutchison in 2001