WASHINGTON - Idaho Sen. Larry Craig is likely to resign today under pressure from Republican Party leaders, Washington-based news organizations are report-ing.

The Associated Press, citing unnamed Republican activists, said party officials in Washington have drafted a statement calling for the third-term senator to resign. It was not issued, these officials said, in response to con-cerns that it might complicate quiet efforts under way to persuade the 62-year-old lawmaker to give up his seat.

Fox News, also citing unnamed sources, said Craig is expected to resign today after days of public and private pressure stemming from his arrest in June in a police undercover operation at an airport men's room.

Craig spokesman Dan Whiting told the Times-News that Craig "will do what's best for the state of Idaho."

Craig is in Idaho today and is in contact with state leaders, Whiting said. The decision to step down from committee leadership assignments Wednesday was made willingly.

Craig pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct on Aug. 1, and while he has since said he did nothing wrong, the episode has roiled the Republican Party and produced numerous calls for him to step down.

A resignation would clear the way for Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, a Republican, to name a replacement who would serve until the end of Craig's current term in 2009. Lt. Gov. James Risch and Rep. Mike Simpson were among the possible replacements.