What is it about public service that hypnotizes people to the point they refuse to face reality and relinquish their power and “prestige” when they encounter debilitating and embarrassing events?

U.S. Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho is in the position of trying to determine if the voters in his region will excuse the scandal tied to his arrest in a public restroom in Minneapolis. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in an effort to avoid the notoriety he now is facing and he apparently has received enough support from some corners to believe he can be successful in a re-election bid next year.

Craig, 62, a third-term senator, is playing to the hilt the “media” revelations of a police report alleging he sought to have a homosexual encounter with an undercover officer. Although he entered a guilty plea, he denies he is gay and says his arrest was unfounded. He also contends that the Idaho Statesman, the state’s largest newspaper, is engaged in a witch hunt.

The fact Craig pleaded guilty in this case is not reassuring to the GOP, and many of its members cringe at the prospect of more fallout if Craig seeks re-election. All things considered, the senator might be better off stepping out of public life. However, there is something compelling about the power and glory of congressional status, and it appears unlikely at this point that Craig will make things easier for anyone.

The nation has just been through a drawn-out episode with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, who finally resigned but only after a long and dubious defense of his right to stay in office. Why, in the face of what transpired, did he take so long?

Then there is the case of U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson from South Dakota. He has made tremendous progress after suffering a brain hemorrhage and undergoing surgery last December. Although he has been unable to fulfill the duties and demands of his office and admits he still is not at full strength, he plans to seek re-election. “I expect to run and to win,” Johnson said in slurring, halting speech during a recent television appearance.

Many will sympathize with his desire for a comeback and loudly applaud his courage, but is Johnson acting in the best interests of his constituents? Despite his good intentions, he has been unable to serve and his activity may be curtailed for years to come.

Johnson’s hemorrhage came a month after November elections that gave the Democrats a one-seat majority in the Senate. The attack quickly raised the possibility that if Johnson died or resigned, South Dakota GOP Gov. Mike Rounds would appoint a Republican successor and return the Senate to his party’s control.

Politics, to be sure. But whatever happened to genuine statesmanship where public servants do what is best for the country rather than what is best for them and their parties?

That is a legitimate question to pose to the likes of Sens. Craig and Johnson and Alberto Gonzales. Far too often, their responses are discouraging, at best.