by Matthew Hay Brown
Rep. Rick Renzi, the Arizona Republican indicted today for extortion, money laundering, wire fraud and other charges relating to a land deal in his home, now faces pressure from the GOP House leadership to step down.
“I have made it clear that I will hold our Members to the highest standards of ethical conduct,” House Minority Leader John A. Boehner said today in a statement. “The charges contained in this indictment are completely unacceptable for a Member of Congress, and I strongly urge Rep. Renzi to seriously consider whether he can continue to effectively represent his constituents under these circumstances.”
The 26-page federal indictment unsealed in Arizona this morning accuses Renzi and two former business partners of conspiring to promote the sale of land that buyers could swap for property owned by the federal government, the Associated Press is reporting. One of Renzi’s associates netted $4.5 million in the deal.
Renzi is a state co-chair for presidential candidate John McCain. In Indianapolis today, the Arizona senator told reporters, “I’m sorry. I feel for the family. As you know he has 12 children.”
Republicans, who lost control of the House in 2006 in part due to a succession of scandals, have demonstrated a heightened sensitivity to appearances of impropriety among their members. Rep. John Doolittle, a California Republican under investigation for ties with the convicted former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, announced under pressure from GOP leaders that he would not seek reelection.In commenting within hours of the indictment, Boehner is drawing a distinction with the Democrats. Rep. William Jefferson, a Louisiana Democrat, remains in office despite an indictment last year on corruption charges.
Boehner said he expected to meet with Renzi “at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss this situation and the best option for his constituents, our Conference, and the American people.”
(Photo: McClatchy-Tribune)