By Kris Turner
Insight Staff Writer

Idaho Statesman columnist Dan Popkey, who has written in depth about allegations surrounding Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) will take questions from NLGJA convention attendees on Sunday.

Joining the conference by phone, Popkey will answer questions about his work and covering Craig, who resigned from office today.

Craig. 62, was arrested and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge after he allegedly solicited an undercover police officer in an airport restroom. Rumors of gay encounters have followed Craig throughout his career.

The call is scheduled for 10 a.m. during the closing networking breakfast.

"We were very, very lucky, thanks to one of our sponsors," said Thomas Cashman Avila, deputy executive director of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association. "I think we've been given a phenomenal opportunity."

A representative from the McClatchy Company was able to connect Popkey with NLGJA. Popkey couldn't attend in person because he's in the midst of covering the Craig story.

"This gives us the opportunity to speak with the journalist," Avila said. "It's not just about the story. It's how you got the story."

The session will allow members to connect with the story and ask Popkey about how and why it was reported, said Eric Hegedus, NLGJA's president.

"It's such a huge story," Hegedus said. "Members can speak up and ask questions."

The discussion with the reporter is especially relevant to NLGJA because it involves journalism and the gay identity, NLGJA member Doug Moore said.

"It's the biggest thing going on," Moore said.