Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Arizona) issued two statements on Friday, denying news reports that he will resign from Congress amid a federal corruption probe.
Renzi has been the subject of speculation since the FBI raided a family business. He has resigned three committee posts, withdrawn from a GOP fundraiser and has faced pressure from Republican leaders.
Amid the rumors, Democrats and Republicans are circulating names of possible candidates to challenge Renzi, whose district includes parts of the Navajo Nation and some Apache reservations. Native Americans are about 22 percent of the population.
The exact nature of the investigation has not been disclosed. It could related to a land deal that is opposed by Apache tribes or government contracts for a family business.
"We have no idea if Renzi is guilty of any wrongdoing. But we do know the FBI investigation already is hampering Renzi’s representation of the 1st Congressional District, which reaches across a vast swath of northern Arizona. He has stepped away from all of his committee assignments and made himself largely unavailable for comment," The East Valley Tribune says in an editorial.
Get the Story:Renzi support, funds waning (The Arizona Republic 4/28)
If Renzi resigns, many are ready to seek his seat (The Arizona Daily Star 4/29)
Farm, Renzi, Huachuca linked (The Arizona Daily Star 4/29)
Editorial: Under fire, Renzi can no longer serve constituents (The Eats Valley Tribune 4/29) Relevant Links:
Rep. Rick Renzi - http://www.house.gov/renzi Related Stories:
Rep. Renzi said to be considering resignation (4/27)
Aide to Rep. Renzi called ousted U.S. Attorney (4/26)
Rep. Renzi steps down from Resources Committee (4/25)
Rep. Renzi steps down from panel after FBI raid (4/20)
A new co-chair for Native American Caucus (01/26)
Rep. Renzi seeks funds for Navajo-Hopi efforts (12/07)
Letter: Rep. Renzi insulted Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation (11/08)
Preliminary investigation into Renzi land deal (10/25)
Navajo Democrat upset over Renzi 'endorsement' (10/09)
Cobell endorses Republican Renzi in Arizona (10/27)
Navajo Nation council nearly endorses Renzi rival (10/20)
Renzi wins endorsement of Navajo Nation Council (10/19)
Navajo council asked to choose Renzi over Babbitt (09/14)
