Rep. Renzi speaks
By Kirstin Ellison
Posted on Wed May 02, 2007 at 01:24:52 PM EST
Rep. Rick Renzi (R-AZ) has finally broken his silence about the FBI investigation of a land deal. In an interview with a local NBC affiliate, what did he have to say? Well...
Renzi tells 12 News that he is the victim of a smear campaign by the U.S. Department of Justice and says he'd welcome an independent investigation into his actions....
...Renzi says the reports [in the media about the federal probe] were based on "leaks" by federal employees he says are lying.
"And to make that up and put that out means the Department of Justice was engaged in electioneering and it needs to be investigated," Renzi said.
Renzi says he did nothing wrong with regards to the land deal and his disclosure forms. In fact, seeking to quell the resignation rumors that began circulating last week, he hinted that he's considering whether or not to run for a fourth term next year.
And about those additional questions regarding the US Attorney scandal and the firing of Paul Charlton, Renzi issued equally strong denials.
In testimony before Congress about his dismissal, Charlton says he believes the Renzi contact "was potentially improper."
Renzi told 12 News he disagrees, that calls to Charlton by his chief of staff, Brian Murray, were only to ask reasonable questions.
"All he's doing is calling the public relations department and saying what is this? What's going on here? He left a message on a telephone machine," said Renzi....
..."For anyone to conjure up that this somehow affected Mr. Charlton being fired, it is just political theatre," said Renzi.
Political theater? Will he still be calling it that once more details of the investigation are "leaked"?
Read more and watch the video.
Tags: Rick Renzi, ethics in government, Paul Charlton, Justice Department (all tags)
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