KTVB

BOISE - Idaho Senator Larry Craig will no longer represent the state in the US Senate after January of 2009.

Craig did not file for reelection by Friday's deadline, meaning he will not appear on the Republican primary ballot this May.

Craig pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an undercover gay sex sting in a Minneapolis airport bathroom last summer.  A Capitol Hill newspaper broke the news in August - leading to a weeklong firestorm, capped by a Saturday morning news conference where Craig announced his "intent" to resign. 

He later changed his mind and stayed in the Senate - and also launched a legal battle to overturn his plea.

Craig told NewsChannel 7's Mark Johnson that he would not seek reelection, and threw his support behind Jim Risch.

"Jim Risch will be the next United States Senator from Idaho, and I'll strongly support him in that," Craig said in November.

Lt. Gov. Risch will face seven other candidates on the Republican ballot:

- Fred M. Adams of Idaho Falls
- Brian E. Hefner of Sweet
- Bill Hunter of Rexburg
- Richard Phenneger of Coeur d'Alene
- Hal James Styles Jr. of Desert Hot Springs, CA
- Scott. A. Syme of Wilder
- Neal Thompson of McCall

On the Democratic side, former US congressman Larry LaRocco of Boise will face David J. Archuleta of Fort Hall.

Two Candidates, including Pro-Life of Letha and Rex Rammell of Rexburg have filed for the race.  Pro-Life previously ran for governor, though his original name was listed on the ballot - Marvin Richardson.  Pro-Life legally changed his name.

Kent A. Marmon will run as an independent for the seat.