Notable Media on RenziGate as of 2/23

Here are the latest developments in Dick Renzi’s indictment:

The AZ Republic calls on Dick to resign •"Leave, Mr. Renzi"

During investigation McCain defended Dick • "McCain In Oct. 2006: Renzi Has ‘Tenacity, Honesty And Integrity Beyond Reproach’"

Minority Leader Boehner wants Dick’s resignation • "Boehner Urges Renzi to ‘Seriously consider’ Stepping Down"

If Dick resigns before May 4th a special election would be held to replace him • "Renzi resignation could spur special election"

Dick’s corruption is putting $$$ in Democrats’ campaign war chests • "The Arizona Democratic Party is fundraising off the Renzi indictment"

Rain Whisper Gate? Tedski identifies a bizarre detail of the fraud • "Rick Renzi Rain Whisper"

Former state legislator Slade Meade looks at the law • "What happens is Renzi resigns?"

My take: If Dick can hang on until May 4th without resigning it will be a miracle. He’s got to be under enormous pressure from his caucus to clear out his desk. "Go sell sleazy somewhere else, Dick. We’re full up in here…" His lawyers’ first salvos are so pitifully weak and unpersuasive it is apparent that he hasn’t any actual defense strategy other than slime and deny.

A resignation under indictment + a Democratic registration advantage in CD 1 X a growing independent preference for Dems = a cake-walk in CD 1 for the Democratic nominee in a special election held while the stench of scandal still lingers in voters’ nostrils. A short election favors the well-known and the well-financed: advantage Kirkpatrick. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the top-tier Republicans dropped their plans to run because of Renzipox – why waste good money?