Craig says he won't resign despite guilty plea

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Republican Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho reversed course on Thursday and said he intends to remain in Congress despite his conviction in a sex-sting operation.

In a statement after a court refused to permit him to withdraw his guilty plea to a charge of disorderly conduct, Craig said he intends to complete his third term that ends in January 2009. "When my term has expired, I will retire and not seek re-election," Craig said.