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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Hope Praytochange who wrote (764454)	8/23/2007 11:56:05 AM
From: DuckTapeSunroof	Respond to of 769670

Message 23821472

To: Hope Praytochange who wrote (764454)	8/24/2007 8:28:46 AM
From: DuckTapeSunroof	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 769670

Renzi, after investigation by FBI, won't run in 2008 By Daniel Scarpinato arizona daily star Tucson, Arizona \| Published: 08.24.2007 azstarnet.com U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi ended months of speculation Thursday, announcing he will not seek re-election in 2008. The Arizona Republican's announcement came as little surprise to political insiders who had watched Renzi's standing deteriorate after the FBI began investing a land deal along the San Pedro River in Southern Arizona, an inquiry that included the search of a Renzi family insurance business in Sonoita. Renzi helped promote the land sale that netted $4.5 million for his former business partner and campaign donor James Sandlin, according to state records and officials. The land's water rights are considered critical to the future of both the San Pedro and nearby Fort Huachuca. Renzi, 49, has denied any wrongdoing. But the controversy also landed him in the middle of a congressional investigation into the firing of eight U.S. attorneys, including Arizona's Paul Charlton. In April, Renzi's chief of staff acknowledged calling Charlton's office to ask about the media reports related to the land deal. In his written statement Thursday, Renzi said, "I am honored and thankful to serve Arizona's first district and appreciate all that we have accomplished together over the past six years." His office has not returned calls or e-mails from the Star for months, including Thursday. Geographically, his District 1 is the largest in Arizona, stretching from Flagstaff down into Pinal County. While Democrat-leaning, the rural district has historically supported Republicans, including President Bush in 2000 and 2004. The absence of an incumbent will make District 1 a hotly contested race. Already, Democrats expected to compete for the seat include former state Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, attorney Howard Shanker and former KVOA reporter Mary Kim Titla. Renzi becomes the fifth GOP House member in recent weeks to announce retirement plans. The others are former Speaker Dennis Hastert and Reps. Deborah Pryce of Ohio, Chip Pickering of Mississippi and Ray LaHood of Illinois. Political reporter Daniel Scarpinato provides daily updates on the actions of lawmakers and behind-the-scenes tidbits on state and federal issues in his blog, Under The Copper Dome, at go.azstarnet.com/copperdome ? The Associated Press contributed to this report. ? Contact Star reporter Daniel Scarpinato at 307-4339 or dscarpinato@azstarnet.com.