Breaking News: Gabby Giffords to resign from Congress
Ordinarily, the news that a liberal Democrat is leaving Congress would be cause for celebration. This one is a little different.
From the Arizona Daily Star:
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will step down from Congress this week to focus on her recovery, her staff announced Sunday.
"I have more work to do on my recovery, so to do what is best for Arizona, I will step down this week," Giffords said in a video message.
Giffords, a third-generation Arizonan who served five years in the state Legislature before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2006, will not seek re-election this fall.
Giffords vowed to return public service.
"I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country," she said.
In the two-minute video, Giffords urged her colleagues in Congress to work across party lines.
"A lot has happened over the past year," she said. "We cannot change that. But I know on the issues we fought for, we can change things for the better."
Giffords will submit her letter of resignation later this week to House Speaker John Boehner and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer. The governor will set the date for special primary and general elections to determine who will serve the remainder of Giffords' term.
Giffords has made what is undoubtedly a tough decision for her but all things considered, it was the best decision for her and for Arizona.
Everyone wants the best for Giffords. We all want her to have a complete recovery. And we never want to see something like that happen to another American elected official.
There will be a time for partisan fighting and there should be time for partisan fighting. But that day is not today.
Let us all today wish Gabby Giffords a total and complete recovery from the injuries she sustained a year ago.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Tommy Davis on -
A very strong person.My best to her and her family.GOD BLESS AMERICA
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Permalink Reply by USARogue on -
Tommy,
I agree.
Now, do we have a solid Conservative we can get into that seat?
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Permalink Reply by Debrajoe Smith-Beatty on -
She has been and is a remarkable lady.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Goodfellow on -
Absolutely.
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Permalink Reply by Michele J Emerson-Roberts on
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I wish her well.......
Wonder why it was not done before?
Not being hateful....just curious.....
Question: how long did she need to serve to get her lifetime pension?
MJER
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Permalink Reply by Michael Goodfellow on
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A full pension is available to Members 62 years of age with 5 years of service; 50 years or older with 20 years of service; or 25 years of service at any age. A reduced pension is available depending upon which of several different age/service options is chosen.
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Permalink Reply by John J Preville on
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Michael,
I'm not sure if that policy will play out under her circumstance..?
I personally hope she get the whole thing..she earned it..in book..
God Bless.. Her and the Family.
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Permalink Reply by elaine on -
I actually love this lady and the courage she has had in her recovery.
I however realized when she appeared to vote in Congress that day that there was a good possibility she was not going to be the person that her voters elected into office several years ago.
May the good Lord continue to help her in her recovery.
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Permalink Reply by John Gaver on
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Best wishes to Gabby Giffords and a sincere hope for a complete and speedy recovery.
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Permalink Reply by Katherine Coudriet Easlick on -
I am a tea party person who wishes her well.she appears to be a true lady and also fair and nice.I would not wish what happened to her on anyone.She is a patriot and may God bless her.I will say one thing though,could Debbie Wasserman Schultz stop using her friendship with Gabby to hely promote herself? I find it sickening.
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Permalink Reply by james stamulis on -
my heart goes out to her and and her family but really angers me is the media talks like she was the only person shot and it was the tea party's fault. they seem to overlook that a conservative judge died from his wounds and no one that i know of blamed the left for his death. wasserman still blames the tea party and it would be nice if giffords husband would step up and say quit using my wife for political gain. if i was her husband i would tell wasserman to shut her vile mouth. our country needs a lot of straightening up.
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