Even if Rick Renzi does not resign within the year, I would say that it is a safe bet that he will not seek reelection. Why would I say this? Because this report makes it pretty clear he is not thinking about 2008.
Renzi asked to be dropped from the Retain Our Majority Program, which raises money for the GOP's most vulnerable incumbents, an aide to Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) confirmed Tuesday.
The congressman's office did not immediately return a phone call for comment...
Renzi's decision, however voluntary, is a clear sign that members have heeded Boehner's call for Republicans to step aside if they are in the crosshairs of a federal investigation following two years of non-stop scandal in the 109th Congress that contributed to the GOP's demise.
Renzi, now serving his third term in the House, has been targeted in each election because he represents only a slightly Republican district. He won with a comfortable margin last fall, but Democrats planned to go after him this year.
Personally, I would rather have a chance to take it now in 2007 than take a chance of trying to win with McMain on the top of the ticket. Either way, things are getting a lot easier for us in this purple state!