NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday February 23, 2008
Arizona Republicans closest to Renzi should call for resignation
After federal authorities issued a multi-count indictment against Rep. Rick Renzi today, the only response from Arizona Republicans was silence.
“Renzi has denied 700,000 Arizona residents an honest voice in D.C. for far too long,” said Don Bivens, chair of the Arizona Democratic Party. “The allegations in the indictment – leveraging his office to line his own pockets and the pockets of his friends – are shameful. Arizona deserves far better. He should resign immediately. And his Republican colleagues should insist on it.”
More disturbing than Republicans’ silence is their tacit approval of Renzi’s behavior. The many candidates who are considering running to replace Renzi have praised the congressman publicly for his work and his personal ethics.
State Rep. Bill Konopnicki and his family have contributed almost $12,000 to Renzi’s campaigns. Konopnicki’s last two contributions came after news broke of the FBI’s investigation into Renzi’s affairs. (LINK)
Other conspicuous Republicans to praise Renzi’s ethics and performance include:
- Former Arizona Senate President Ken Bennett: “I think he’s done a very good job for the 1st District of Arizona, and it’s unfortunate that he is leaving under the cloud of investigation.” (Arizona Republic, Aug. 24, 2007)
- Arizona GOP Chairman Randy Pullen: “Congressman Rick Renzi has worked to lower taxes, protect our nation, safeguard our beautiful state and make a difference in the lives of Arizona families and children through meaningful legislation that has improved schools, health care and created jobs.” (Arizona Republic, Aug. 24, 2007)
- Rep. John Shadegg has given Renzi $7,000 to elect him to Congress. http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/pacgot.asp?strID=C00342378&Cycle=2006
http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/com_supopp/C00280453/ - Sen. John McCain named Renzi an Arizona co-chairman (LINK) to his presidential campaign on Jan. 26, 2008 – well after an FBI investigation was made public. McCain sent out an e-mail to fundraise on Renzi’s behalf, as well as an automated call (LINK) extolling Renzi’s ethics.
In contrast, Democrats have a long record of criticizing Renzi’s conduct, and they look forward to the election of his replacement to Congress:
“Democrats are well-positioned to win this seat in a special election and in the general election in November,” Bivens said. “We have high-caliber candidates who would move this country forward, restore the middle class American dream and stabilize our economy.”