It's done -- Larry Craig has made his resignation official at a press conference in Idaho.

Surrounded by family members and Republican officials, Craig somberly read the following statement into a microphone just moments ago:

What is best for Idaho has always been the focus of my efforts, and it is no different today. To Idahoans I represent, to my staff, my Senate colleagues, but most importantly to my wife and my family, I apologize for what I have caused. I am deeply sorry. I have little control over what people will choose to believe, but clearly my name is important to me, and my family is so very important also.

Having said that, to pursue my legal options as I continue to serve Idaho would be an unwanted and unfair distraction of my job and for my Senate colleagues. These are serious times of war and of conflict, times that deserve the Senate's and the full nation's attention. There are many challenges facing Idaho that I am currently involved in, and the people of Idaho deserve a senator who can devote 100% of his time and effort to the critical issues of our state and of our nation.

Therefore, it is with sadness and deep regret that I announce that it is my intent to resign from the Senate, effective September 30th.

Craig didn't address the charges against him, though his office will apparently be releasing a more detailed written statement later this afternoon.

His replacement is already waiting in the wings. Governor Butch Otter has reportedly tapped Lt. Governor Jim Risch to be appointed to the seat.

An incredibly rapid downfall for a man who, as recently as last Monday, when the story first broke, was a senior Senator with powerful committee slots who'd managed to keep his apparent double life under wraps for many years. Less than a week later, after an extraordinary pressure campaign from members of his own party intent on dislodging him and putting an end to the story, it all comes to a humiliating end.

Late Update: CNN reports that one of its reporters got the chance to ask Crag as he made his way back to his car if he stood by his claim of innocence.

"Absolutely," he said, adding: "We'll be fighting this like hell."

Denying it until the last.