The full statement after the jump:

“For most of my adult life, I’ve had the privilege of serving the people of Idaho. I am grateful for the opportunity they have given me. It has been a blessing.

I am proud of my record and accomplishments and equally proud of the wonderful and talented people with whom I have had the honor and privilege to work and serve.

I chose to serve because I truly love Idaho. What is best for Idaho has always been the focus of my efforts, and it is no different today.

To the Idahoans I represent, to my staff, my Senate colleagues and, most importantly, my wife and our family, I apologize for what I have caused.

I am deeply sorry.

I have little control over what people choose to believe, but clearing my name is important to me and my family.

Having said that, to pursue my legal options as I continue to serve Idaho would be an unwanted and unfair distraction from my job and for my Senate colleagues.

These are serious times of war and conflict - times that deserve the Senate and our full nation’s attention. There are many challenges facing Idaho that I’m currently engaged in, and the people of Idaho deserve a Senator who can devote 100 percent of his time and effort to critical state and national issues.

Therefore, it is with sadness and deep regret that I announce that it is my intent to resign from the Senate, effective September 30. In doing so, I hope to allow for a smooth and orderly transition for my loyal staff, and for the person appointed to take my place at William Borah’s desk. I have full confidence that Governor Otter will appoint a successor who will serve Idaho with distinction.

I apologize to the people of our great state for being unable to serve out the term to which you have elected me. I hope you understand my decision to step aside.

Few people have had the pleasure and privilege to represent Idaho for as many years as I have. Each day, each week, each year brought new challenges and opportunities to create a better life for Idahoans. I have enjoyed every moment and cannot adequately put into words how much I appreciate you giving me this chance. I hope you do not regret the confidence you have placed in me for all these years. I hope I have served you and our state to the best of my abilities.

Lastly, Suzanne and I have been humbled by the outpouring of support we have received from our friends, our family, staff and fellow Idahoans - we are profoundly and forever grateful.

Thank you.

Earlier in the summer Tancredo remarked that the United States should bomb holy cities as a way of sending a message to terrorists and undoubtedly all religious people everywhere. Yesterday according to The Hill he remarked that it was “time the taxpayer gravy train left the New Orleans station” in regards to Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.

“At some point, state and local officials and individuals have got to step up to the plate and take some initiative,” said Tancredo. “The mentality that people can wait around indefinitely for the federal taxpayer to solve all their worldly problems has got to come to an end.”

Though there are undoubtedly other fiscal conservatives and independents who would like greater accountability of money spent and who could argue the issue of states responsibilities vs. federal responsibilities, I doubt any of the other candidates will be jumping about this line of thought. It isn’t the kind of thing you say when you want to get elected president.

I caught some of C-Span’s ‘Road to the White House’ coverage tonight. Rudy Giuliani was visiting a sea food restaurant in New Hampshire and going around shaking peoples hands. It was an interesting sight.

Now reason #1,554 why I probably would not make a good presidential candidate has to deal with shaking hands. I am not a fan of the practice. I remember a few years ago when Donald Trump wanted to run as a reform party candidate. He was open about his displeasure for the ritual and many discussed the political and social effects it would have. (Though I have since seen him embrace the practice of handshaking on his show The Apprentice and doubt his not being president had anything to do with hand shaking.)

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Virginia’s Republican Senator John Warner will not seek re-election. Senate 2008 Guru notes what we can likely expect in the race:

John Warner just announced that he will retire at the end of his current term, rather than seek re-election in 2008. Expectations are the following: for the Democrats, popular former Governor Mark Warner, who left office with an approval rating exceeding 80%, will enter the Senate race; for the Republicans, we may see a bloody primary battle between Rep. Tom Davis and former Gov. Jim Gilmore.

CNN is reporting that Senator Larry Craig, who is up for re-election in 2008 and who plead guilty to disorderly conduct following accusations that he was soliciting a male prostitute in an airport bathroom.

Honestly I think if he is going to resign he needs to do so quickly and Friday, dump day for the news, would be the perfect time.

Could Craig survive? He could probably live out the rest of his term and wait for another larger news event to knock him off the front page but I doubt he would make it through any primary challenges for his seat. Best to step down, reconsider his life and write a book, which seems to be the formula for this kind of thing.

We will know by midnight tonight whether the reports are accurate so stay tuned.