It looks like Rick Renzi sees the handwriting on the wall. and is considering an early retirement.
Embattled Arizona Republican Congressman Rick Renzi may resign from office in the wake of a federal investigation into his involvement in land-swap deal and an FBI raid on an Arizona insurance business owned by his wife.
Renzi told The Hill newspaper in Washington, D.C., this week that he was considering stepping down.
Democrats are looking to oust Renzi and some top Republicans in the state, who asked not be identified, are talking about the possibly of Renzi's resignation.
The Hill also reported that the federal inquiry is focused on possible nondisclosure of a $200,000 payment made to Renzi by a business partner involved in the land swap. The Wall Street Journal reports that a grand jury has been convened in Tucson to look into Renzi's actions.
Taxes and links with government contractor Mantech International also have come into question, according sources familiar with the Renzi controversy.
This is it guys, he's probably on his way out. It's time to start looking hard at candidates for one of the biggest pickups in 2007. And to the AZ kossacks, just let us know if you need anything at all.
Update [2007-4-26 16:53:15 by RandyMI]:
Another paper confirms the news.
Rep. Rick Renzi. R-Ariz., is "looking at" the prospect of resigning his office in response to an FBI public-corruption investigation.
On Tuesday, he told The Hill, a newspaper that covers the Washington political scene, that he was considering leaving office.
He has denied any wrongdoing, but has stepped down, at least temporarily, from his three committee assignments.