TWIN FALLS - The search to replace embattled U.S. Sen. Larry Craig continues, despite his ongoing efforts to avoid resignation at the end of this month. The decision raises new questions about Craig himself and who will represent Idaho in the nation's capital.

Days after saying he intends to resign Sept. 30, the three-term senator is pursuing legal options to overturn a misdemeanor guilty plea in Minnesota. He also hopes to avert a Senate ethics investigation in Washington.

Yet with only two GOP senators speaking publicly in support of Craig's efforts, observers question his strategy.

News that Craig, a 27-year veteran of Congress, may not resign has taken political experts by surprise. Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, said Craig is "extending the pain" of last week, when news of his arrest and conviction swept the nation.

"It's a public death," Sabato said. "Would you rather die a slow, lingering death or a quick one? I think we'd all pick the heart attack, wouldn't we?"

Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, who said he learned of Craig's decision from a television newscast Tuesday evening, met privately with Craig for more than a half-hour Wednesday to discuss the process for appointing the senator's replacement.

"What we were doing is focusing on what we are still assuming is going to be a transition," said Otter's spokesman, Jon Hanian. "The senator's staff is working with our staff toward what we assume will be a transition toward the end of this month."

Otter said candidates include U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, former Lt. Gov. David Leroy, current Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, former state lawmaker Dane Watkins and Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, a graduate of Twin Falls High School.

Risch has been rumored as a top candidate for months. His appointment would require appointment of a new lieutenant governor. Among the candidates for that position is state Senate GOP Caucus Chair Brad Little, R-Emmett.

But before any new appointments are made, Craig's own fate must be decided, and the events Tuesday in Washington were not encouraging.

On Wednesday, Craig's lawyer hand-delivered a letter to the Senate Ethics Committee requesting the issue be dismissed since punishing a senator over a misdemeanor is "wholly unrelated to the performance of official duties."

The committee issued a response later in the day, countering that argument and asserting its authority to discipline Senate members for "any misconduct."

In a statement released late Wednesday, Craig remained determined to fight the ethics probe.

"It is my intent to fight the case before the Ethics Committee while I am a sitting Senator," Craig said. "I would prefer to have that case resolved on its merits."

Don Crowley, chairman of the University of Idaho Political Science department, compared Craig's situation with that of U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La. - who admitted having ties to a Washington D.C. prostitution ring, but was not investigated by the Senate. Crowley argued that Craig's case is connected to homosexuality, while Vitter's was not, and Louisiana's Democratic governor could appoint a Democrat, while Idaho's Otter is a Republican.

"It strikes me as (Craig's) way of getting back at the Republican leadership in the Senate who, I feel, completely abandoned him," said Crowley. "They got to look like they're standing up for morals and decency while they knew it wouldn't really cost them anything."

Craig spokesman Sid Smith said Craig is fighting to clear his name - not for revenge - although the senator does feel he was left hung out to dry.

"He has worked tirelessly for the Republican Party," said Smith, "and Senate Republicans have generally forgotten what he's done for them and left him off in the wilderness."

U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., a former prosecutor who suggested Craig not give up, is the only national figure to publicly defend him aside from Craig's colleague Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho.

But it is unknown where most of his support is coming from.

Smith, the spokesman, said that Craig is relying on staff, family and the grassroots supporters have come out in droves, sending sent hundreds of e-mails and phone calls to voice support. He pointed to the audio exchange between Craig and the arresting officer that some supporters see as support for Craig's version of events.

Smith said that Craig has not sought advice from politicians or consultants.

Just before his resignation announcement Saturday, Craig mistakenly left a voicemail on the wrong phone number asserting that it was his "intent" to resign, all the while fighting to keep his seat.

Sabato it is clear that Craig is operating on his own, without advice from party insiders.

"No sensible adviser is going to suggest he do this," he said.

Jared S. Hopkins may be reached at 735-3204 or jhopkins@magicvalley.com