Senator Larry Craig inducted into Idaho Hall of Fame
- posted: 23 Oct. 2007
- scrollnews@byui.edu
Idaho Republican Senator Larry Craig’s induction into the Idaho Hall of Fame on Oct. 13 has raised a few eyebrows, due to his part in a sex scandal in June, according to an article in USA Today.
Craig, who was nominated to be an inductee in March, was arrested by an undercover policeman for allegedly soliciting sex in a men’s rest room in a Minneapolis airport. Craig initially pled guilty to disorderly conduct, but later withdrew his plea.
Despite these recent developments, members of the Idaho Hall of Fame stand by their nomination for Craig’s 30 years of political service to the state of Idaho.
“We support Larry’s induction. He was selected in March of this year before any of this happened. We certainly have not backed off from that decision,” said William Vaughn Jr., Idaho Hall of Fame board member.
Vaughn admits that this year’s induction ceremony was notably different than previous, quieter years.
“In the past we have begged for publicity and got nothing. This was the first meeting that I have been to where the paparazzi were standing at all of the doors,” Vaughn said.
The Idaho Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization that was established in 1995 to honor those people who have made a noteworthy contribution to the state of Idaho. Past inductees include Sacajawea, Philo T. Farnsworth and Ezra Taft Benson.
This year, 11 other inductees were honored alongside Craig, though some might say that they were dishonored to be on stage with him.
“I think this situation is similar to that of Bill Clinton. He was a good president, but his moral choices overshadowed his political contribution,” said Shauna Platt, a junior studying history.
Former Idaho Senator and Hall of Fame Board Member Ann Rydalch said that the recent publicity the organization has received has been a “double-edged sword,” bringing both recognition and strong disapproval from community members. However, Rydalch said that such criticism won’t tarnish the value of the Idaho Hall of Fame.
“We inducted 12 wonderful people, not just one person. We will continue to give recognition to people that have made Idaho great,” Rydalch said. 
