Monday, February 25, 2008

Republican Rick Renzi Rejects Resignation

Embattled AZ Congressman Rick Renzi (R CD-1) has said he won't resign his seat, claiming that resigning would make him look guilty:
Through his press office in Washington D.C., Renzi said: “I will not resign and take on the cloak of guilt because I am innocent.”
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/226858.php

Rick, it is not any potential resignation that makes you look guilty, it is all of those charges after a lengthy investigation that makes you look guilty!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Forget the blanket, Linus can pull his Glock 9 to feel Secure

Well, leave it to the Arizona Legislature to try and find more reasons and places for folks to draw their guns.

Several years ago, it was guns in bars. Last year it was a bill allow guns in any public location, and earlier this session the bill to allow teachers to pack heat.

Now, they want to make it easier for folks to draw their weapons without breaking the law, as long as they feel or perceive a threat: Panel says pull your gun if you feel endangered.

I have no problem with someone defending themselves if their life or the life of a loved one is in immediate danger, but to basically allow folks to draw their guns if they perceive danger is plain asinine. Hey old lady, that Black kid makes you feel insecure? Pull out that .32 snubnose and show him whose boss! Teenagers all dressed in black make you feel awkward at the mall? Hey middle-aged white woman, just pull out your .25 from your purse and show them how secure you feel.

Gang-bangers carrying a gun? Cops can't touch you, because you were just showing everyone that you are not going to be intimidated.

Renzi Indicted


Yup, at long last, AZ congressman Rick Renzi has been indicted on numerous Federal charges.

From CNN.COM:

In a 35-count indictment handed up by a grand jury in Arizona, Renzi is charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering extortion and insurance fraud.

The indictment stem from Renzi's efforts to use his position in Congress to promote land deals in Arizona by a former business partner, according to the sources.




He is officially toast.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Shadegg out: Is this a sign that McCain may resign?

February 22: Well, He changed his mind and will run for re-election.

FLIP FLOP.
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John Shadegg is not running for reelection.

Speculation is rampant: priming himself to run for the Senate when McCain becomes President? Wants to avoid a tough race vs Bob Lord? Tired and wants to spend time with his family?

Until just a few minutes ago, I was certain that McCain wasn't going resign his seat unless he won the general election. Now I think that he may have told folks that he is at least thinking about resigning to focus solely on the White House.

If he let people know that he would resign his seat if he was the Republican nominee, it would make sense for Shadegg to announce now. He gives the party a chance to find a viable candidate to campaign and makes him readily available for appointment to fill McCain's seat until an election occurs.

If he had run for re-election, there is no way that his party could put his name on the short list for the governor. Janet would appoint him immediately to the Senate and hand the CD-3 seat to Lord.

If John does resign, he will wait until he has completely locked up the nomination. (Huckabee could still force a brokered convention, mathematically speaking).

That would give him something else against either of the Democrats during the general election, since it is not likely that Obama or Clinton would resign their seat.