NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday February 26, 2008

In holding seat, Renzi continues to deny constituents' voice

In holding seat, Renzi continues to deny constituents’ voice

Republican Rep. Rick Renzi, who was indicted last week on charges of extortion, embezzlement and fraud, is desperately holding on to his seat in Congress, despite his inability to do the work of the people.

“With the tacit consent of Arizona Republicans, Renzi is preventing the residents of the First Congressional District from having a voice in Congress,” said Emily Bittner, a spokeswoman for the Arizona Democratic Party. “If the Arizona GOP is serious about eliminating corruption from their party, they should call on Renzi to step down – immediately.”

Several prominent Republicans are considering running for Renzi’s seat.

They include:

  • Rep. Bill Konopnicki and his wife contributed more than $2,000 to Renzi after an FBI investigation was made public. He hasn’t said whether Renzi should step down. (“LINK”:http://www.azdem.org/page/-/downloads/Open_Secrets_2.22.08.pdf)

  • Candidate Sydney Hay, who told fellow Republicans she would follow Renzi’s example. According to the Eastern Arizona Courier, earlier this month she said: “I want to demonstrate my commitment to maintaining the same level of availability that Congressman Renzi provided to the citizens of eastern Arizona,” Hay assured the room. (“LINK”:http://www.eacourier.com/articles/2008/02/24/local_news/doc47bf6c4b52529771249597.txt)

  • Corporation Commissioner Kris Mayes won’t say whether Renzi should step down immediately. According to an Associated Press story, Mayes said: “I think that’s a decision that only Congressman Renzi can make, and I think he’ll do the right thing for the district.”

In addition, Arizona Republican leaders have praised Renzi:

  • GOP Chairman Randy Pullen praised Renzi’s service when he stepped down from his committee assignments last year. “I extend the sympathies of the entire Arizona Republican Party family to Representative Renzi and his family again on the recent death of his father, the esteemed General Eugene Renzi. In light of the announcement on Friday of Congressman Renzi’s indictment, I believe Rick will do what is best for his family, constituents and party.” (“http://azgop.org/News/Read.aspx?ID=7173”:http://azgop.org/News/Read.aspx?ID=7173)

  • Arizona Sen. John McCain, who lauded Renzi’s ethics in 2006 after the FBI investigation became public (“LINK”: (http://tiodt.blogspot.com/2006/10/just-in-case-you-still-think-john.html) and named Renzi a presidential campaign co-chairman last month, well after news of an FBI investigation into Renzi’s businesses became public.

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