Renzi deep in the red

TU.S. Rep. Rick Renzi: Getty Images Photohe committee of U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Flagstaff) is $455,090 in debt, according to what may be his final Federal Election Commission report. Renzi, who is under a 35 count federal indictment on charges ranging from extortion to money laundering, is not running for re-election in the 1st Congressional District.

While the option to personally underwrite the debt is open to Renzi, the legal fees involved with his defense will surely put a crimp in his efforts to pay off the nearly $500,000 he has reported in outstanding obligations left over from his last run in 2006.

Renzi was indicted in February on charges stemming from a land swap deal in which he was implicated. On Monday, a U.S. District judge granted a new trial date, March 24, after both defense and prosecution lawyers asked to move the starting date back.

Renzi's office was contacted for comment, but did not return the call.