RenziGate Roundup 3/17

The Eastern Arizona Courier quotes Graham County Supervisor Drew John:

“I have faith in our justice system to get to the truth of the matter,”
John wrote. “I wish nothing but the best for Rick. Unfortunately, there
are always a few malcontents that want to kick somebody when they’re
down. I can tell you that most Democrats in the county, including me,
consider Rick Renzi to be the best friend we’ve ever had.”

Just who the "few malcontents" are in Supervisor John’s view isn’t entirely clear: the US Attorney’s office? The FBI agents who contributed the 26,000 man hours to the investigation? USA for Arizona Humetewa? I asked Supervisor John just exactly who the "malcontents" are he is referring to, but he hasn’t answered back. Nor has he answered my query to specifically list anything Dick has done for the Democrats in Graham County. If I get an answer, I will post it immediately.

I sure hope Dick sends Drew a nice card for his generous and steadfast support in this difficult time. I’m sure Dick needs all the friends he can find about now.

GOP Chairman Randy Pullen finally calls for Renzi’s resignation, even though he sounds like he has finally retreated fully into his own private reality:

"Renzi needs to resign," Pullen told The Insider on Friday when asked
about the discrepancy. "Although at this point he hasn’t been
convicted, we just need to stay above that. Quite frankly, (Renzi’s
legal problem) just sends out the wrong message."

Previously, the state GOP has basically punted on the should-he-stay-or-go question with Renzi, who maintains his innocence.

But while Pullen now is saying Renzi should step down, the words of the
state party’s executive director, Sean McCaffrey, sound closer to a
Renzi endorsement than rebuke.

"So far, the only people demanding his resignation are Democrats who
are very silent on Democrats violating the law," McCaffrey told The
Insider late last week.

"Let’s face it: The man’s been a great congressman. He’s done a great job.

"If he was vindicated tomorrow, Republicans and Democrats across the
district would call on him to change his mind and run for re-election."

I assume by "Democrats across the district," they mean Drew John. And Drew isn’t responding to his emails…

Meanwhile, RenziGate has some calling for a review of the method by which federal lands are managed:

"Every year there are dozens of bills for proposed land deals, some of
which are actively opposed by the administration. These bills are
sponsored by the member of Congress who represents the district
containing the property in question and they receive virtually no
scrutiny. Clearly there is a conflict there. In addition, these bills
generally move under the radar through an expedited process on the
House floor that limits debate because they are deemed
“non-controversial.”

Oh, and don’t think I forgot this: