Legal Costs in Sen. Craig’s Restroom Case Near $250,000

Ongoing litigation over Sen. Larry Craig's disorderly conduct plea last year in a case sparked by a restroom sting operation hasn't come cheap.

Total legal costs for both sides are now nearing $250,000, as the Republican senator from Idaho continues to seek a Minnesota appellate court ruling that he can withdraw the plea, according to KSTP-TV, a local ABC affiliate.

As of Feb. 15, a total of $28,405.90 reportedly had been paid by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (Craig was arrested in a Minneapolis-St. Paul airport restroom after allegedly signaling an undercover officer that he was interested in sex) to a private law firm to prosecute the misdemeanor case.

Meanwhile, Craig's legal costs since his arrest are around $213,000, the station says.

Additional coverage:

Pioneer Press: "Sen. Craig's real crime? Forcing us to spend money on legal process"