FBI Probe Sidelines GOP Lawmaker

(CBS/AP)  For the second time in as many days, a Republican member of Congress is stepping down from a sensitive committee because he's being investigated by the FBI, CBS News correspondent Bob Fuss reports.

Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., is the subject of a probe into a questionable land swap. He denies any wrongdoing but is temporarily leaving his position on the House Intelligence Committee.

On Thursday, California Republican John Doolittle temporarily gave up his seat on the House Appropriations Committee after the FBI searched his house in connection with his ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff — who did business with Doolittle's wife.

In a statement issued Thursday from Washington, Renzi said, "The FBI came to my family's business to obtain documents related to their investigation.

"I view these actions as the first step in bringing out the truth. Until this matter is resolved, I will take a leave of absence from the House Intelligence Committee. I intend to fully cooperate with this investigation."

Renzi, elected to his third term last November, did not elaborate on the federal probe.

The Arizona Republic reported that FBI agents raided an insurance agency owned by Renzi's wife in Sonoita, a town near Sierra Vista.

Renzi referred all questions to his Washington-based attorney, Laura Miller, who did not immediately return calls Thursday night.

[david1737]

Why do they always say they are not guilty--when they know (and we know) they took the money, they took the trips and gifts and in his case, he also helped out the tribes that paid for help? Why do they not just fade away? Why do so many Republicans try to brazen it out--like Gonzales, like Rumsfeld, Like Brown, like Bush, like Ney, like Cunningham, like Delay,like Tenet, Like Ashcroft, like Scooter, like Foley, like Wolfowitz, like Doolittle?

Why not have a little honor, decency and courage and just say--You know what? I did it, I'm sorry, time for me to pay for it--or at least resign and don't make us drag you --with nails making canyon grooves in the flooring--to the door.
Posted by toldyouso21 at 02:55 PM : Apr 20, 2007

EXACTLY!

This is the single best post that I've read in months!

[macusweil]

Gee that's 2 Gas, Oil & Petroleum lobbyist ,er, GOP Congressmen in two days.. yesterdays was the raid on Doolittle's house for his dealing with convicted felon Jack Abramoff. Problem is the Republican Congressional leadership from Newt on down enabled the `ethically challenged` in the party this past 14 years so that they could always count on them for key votes.

[fascistusa]

BOTH PARTIES ARE CORRUPT.

BOTH.

The American Elite and AIPAC/OSRAEL RULE America.

WHEN WILL THAT FINALLY SINK IN??

EVER??

WE NEED NEW PARTIES. WE NEED NEW GOVERNMENT. WE NEED A REVOLUTION.

[randalds]

Rumor has it Cheney may be next...the GOPers want to get rid of him and have a new VP with no record on anything in place before we impeach and remove Bush and the Vice-D ick.

I can hear it now...Madame President Pelosi!


Posted by ozilot at 03:03 PM : Apr 20, 2007

Cheney will step aside to "spend more time with his family" or "for health reasons" and then Bush will appoint Condi Rice as VP. After that she runs for president on a platform of nothing more then daring liberals not to vote for the first black female candidate in nearly 40 years

[antoniof123]

Well, it just keeps getting better and better. You know I am trying to remember how bad it was in 1994 when the Dems lost control of congress but the corruption was not this bad. In fact in my over 50 years of living I have never seen it this bad. What is going on how did these criminals get into power and stay so long. I think that maybe it is time to amend the constitution.

First no Justices can be appointed for life.
Second The DOJ must be elected and is not under the jurisdiction of the White House.

And third term limits for all congress with no retirememt benefits let them pay into social securtiy like the rest of us.

[infidel_us]

I can hear it now...Madame President Pelosi!
Posted by ozilot at 03:03 PM : Apr 20, 2007

Keep wacking-off to that fantasy!!!! LOL You might try clicking your ruby slippers together on every off-beat.

[hazelknows]

What ever it takes to amass wealth. They (both sides) all do this and when caught they act surprised, deny, deny, deny. And then get sentenced to a county culb prison, inwhich they will be released early for good behavior or because they are not considered dangerous (nature of the crime). I wonder how many ex-politicians with criminal records are lobbists and board members of big corporations.

[toldyouso21]

Why do they always say they are not guilty--when they know (and we know) they took the money, they took the trips and gifts and in his case, he also helped out the tribes that paid for help? Why do they not just fade away? Why do so many Republicans try to brazen it out--like Gonzales, like Rumsfeld, Like Brown, like Bush, like Ney, like Cunningham, like Delay,like Tenet, Like Ashcroft, like Scooter, like Foley, like Wolfowitz, like Doolittle?

Why not have a little honor, decency and courage and just say--You know what? I did it, I'm sorry, time for me to pay for it--or at least resign and don't make us drag you --with nails making canyon grooves in the flooring--to the door.

[dallison7]

ANOTHER ONE!!!!

Amazing what a little oversight will do!!

[infidel_us]

I'm sure Cunningham said, "I didn't do anything wrong", as well. Now's a good time to clean house. The republican party is ruined for about the next 8 years anyway, so we may as well amputate the cancerous growths.

If he's found guilty, throw him UNDER the jail.