What's even better than a Republican seat vacated because of corruption? A Republican seat where the occupant is the proud recipient of 35 indictments, but still insists that he won't leave.
Mr. Renzi, with his legal troubles mounting, had already announced that he would not seek re-election to a fourth term. But his insistence on remaining in office while fighting the charges is likely to frustrate fellow Republicans who are already facing enormous challenges in this year’s elections, including a persistent disadvantage in campaign money and a wave of retirements by incumbents.
It's nice of Renzi to stay on and act as the leading man for Republican corruption this cycle (though with so many vying for that role, he could still be relegated to the chorus).
It makes you wonder if Renzi will surrender his other post -- state co-chairman of McCain’s presidential campaign. I'm sure a senator with two ethics reprimands on his record won't mind having a crook for a co-chair.
If Renzi were to resign between now and May 4, there would be a special election with its own set of primaries, giving voters in Arizona's first district four chances to vote on Renzi's replacement by the time November comes around.
Even before the indictment, the 1st District was widely considered one of the Democratic Party's best opportunities for pickup this fall. Democrats have a slight edge in voter registration in the district, which is anchored by liberal Flagstaff and conservative Prescott but includes the sprawling exurbs of Pinal County.
With Renzi hanging in there to act as an example of what Republicans are all about, it should help Democratic chances in the fall.
