Kirkpatrick to Renzi: "Resign immediately"

Ann Kirkpatrick, former state legislator and Democratic candidate for the 1st District U.S. House seat, has called on the current seatholder, Rep. Rick Renzi, to "resign and resign immediately."

Kirkpatrick had been silent on the question of Renzi's resignation up until now. Renzi was indicted by federal prosecutors Friday on 35 counts including money laundering and extortion. Renzi declared yesterday that he "will not resign and wear the cloak of guilt," proclaiming his innocence. According to Kirkpatrick, that promted her release of a statement today:

"I held out hope that he would do the right thing and put the interest of the people before his own personal interests.  Regrettably, it became clear yesterday that he made a different decision. We, the people of this district, have witnessed firsthand the declining leadership and representation Renzi has provided over the past year and we cannot have another eight months pass without our voice being heard in Congress.

"It is time for Rep. Renzi to do what is right and to do what is in the best interest of this great district - resign and resign immediately. We need an end to the corrupt and unethical behavior of Members of Congress that are more interested in their self interests than the interests of the people they represent. This will give the folks of this district a voice that has long been silenced as well as a much needed advocate for change."

Kirkpatrick has joined the Arizona Democratic Party in hammering on the theme of giving CD1 residents choice in the upcoming election. Democrats are expected to only ratchet up the language the longer Renzi remains in office, as well as try to tie in those Republicans running to replace him with the "culture of corruption" Democrats say Renzi represents.

It is reported that prominent Republican party officials are working behind-the-scenes to facilitate Renzi's resignation.