Dick made his initial appearance before Federal Magistrate Judge Valasco in Tucson on Tuesday and pled ‘Not Guilty’ to all 35 charges. Mug shots and fingerprints were taken at the U.S. Marshall’s office, and Dick was released on his own recognizance. Trial is set for April 29th and Dick’s attorney, Mr. Weingarten, said the defense … Read more
Arizona Republic: In our mailbag. In a week that sees the indictment of Republican Congressman Dick Renzi on the 22nd, the Republic reports that as of March 1st "in our mailbag were 36 letters on immigration; Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., 16." A whole week to respond to Renzigate, and what are the Republic’s editorial cranks … Read more
Link: Political Notebook by Daniel Scarpinato : Farley gets singed on procedural misstep. "After avoiding a possible ethics violation Thursday, state Rep. Steve Farley spent the rest of the day doing some soul searching and meditation. The whole incident started when Farley, D-Tucson, grabbed his mic on the House floor and complained that Rep. Andy … Read more
The House ethics committee has decided to open their own investigation into allegations of embezzlement and extortion against Dick using a 4-member, bipartisan sub-committee. The panel does not have the power to require Renzi’s expulsion from the House, although they can recommend this action and the House could unseat Renzi with a 2/3rds vote • … Read more
Police routinely abuse their authority and discretion in the face of peaceful exercise of civil rights. We need to demand better training and more accountability when violations like this one occur. At least they weren’t beaten, pepper-sprayed, arrested, held without charge or trial, tortured and/or killed. This time.