Statement from Congressman Rick Renzi
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi (AZ-01) today released the following statement:
“For several weeks, I have been the subject of leaked stories, conjecture, and false attacks about a land exchange. None of them bear any resemblance to the truth, including the rumor that I am planning on resigning.”
It's a win-win situation for the Democrats - either he resigns, opening the seat early, or he's the 'corruption posterchild' of next year's campaigns in AZ.
Works either way.
Posted by: Craig | April 27, 2007 at 01:06 PM
Who's to say he doesn't try to fill out his term, announce a decision to retire and open the field again? That's no dream for the Dems. In fact, I would bet that if the above scenario does not occur and Renzi does not resign, then there will be a contested GOP primary. That is also not a Dem dream because they'll have a contested primary as well.
Posted by: dgn | April 27, 2007 at 02:33 PM
Renzi should resign as soon as William Jefferson resigns.
Posted by: Some Guy | April 27, 2007 at 06:45 PM
Some Guy -
Since corruption is a non-partisan issue, you're right. Both should be gone.
The problem with that principle for the Republicans is that for every Dem in trouble, there are 10 Reps in as much or more trouble.
Doesn't matter what we say here, though - neither will leave the House until they are forced to by law.
Posted by: Craig | April 27, 2007 at 11:07 PM
Craig- One to ten, really! Wow, I'd be surprised if you could come up with more than the usual suspects.
Renzi knows if he makes it out of this mess alive it is still the end of the road for him. The last campaign was a hard one and the dollars just won't be there next time even if the votes are.
Posted by: Ann | April 28, 2007 at 07:59 AM
Hold your fire! Keep your powder dry! Renzi is in it for keeps. All the junk speculation and prognostication is just a big fat waste of time. However, it has been an interesting exercise in raising name recognition for a 2008 Republican Primary in what was suppose to be a cake walk re-election for Renzi’s 4th Term in office. But watch those Dems! They are tripping over each other to get to the head of the line of the CD1 Congressional succession. And they ALL have money and organizational strength behind them. I hate to be the one to break it to ya’ll but Arizona is no longer a Republican bastion. In fact, just the opposite when you look at recent statistics. Nothing can be taken for granted anymore.
Posted by: Diogidog | April 28, 2007 at 06:31 PM
Renzi should resign as soon as Jefferson AND Reid resign.
Posted by: AZVicki | April 29, 2007 at 08:43 AM
I'll give you Jefferson, but it seems that Reid's only real crime is being a Democrat.
Posted by: Tedski | April 30, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Did you really have a choice there Tedski? And come on, admit it, Reid's as corrupt as they get. But since I dont feel like digging for links to back that last statement up I will instead throw a new dice onto the table: DIANE FEINSTEIN. Say buh bye. Looks like Duke Cunningham will have a new cell mate:
http://thehill.com/david-keene/feinsteins-cardinal-shenanigans-2007-04-30.html
Posted by: Mark | May 01, 2007 at 03:39 PM