Embattled Republican won't seek re-election

WASHINGTON — Three-term Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., who is facing a federal inquiry into his family's insurance business, said Thursday he will not seek re-election next year.

He becomes the fifth GOP House member in recent weeks to announce retirement plans, giving Democrats hopes of possibly picking up seats next year that otherwise would not be in play.

"I will not be seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008," Renzi said in a statement released by the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Neither Renzi nor his top aides returned repeated calls and e-mails requesting further comment Thursday.

Leaders of both parties viewed Renzi as seriously damaged politically by the allegations against him, and several Republicans had let it be known they hoped he would step down. They were particularly concerned because Renzi represents a district Democrats have long thought they could win.

FBI agents in April raided a Sonoita, Ariz., business owned by Renzi's wife, Roberta. Law-enforcement officials confirmed in October that they were scrutinizing a land swap that netted Renzi's former business partner, friend and campaign donor $4.5 million.

Renzi, 49, has denied all wrongdoing. Still, less than a week after the raid, he stepped down temporarily from all three of his House committee assignments

Renzi also has faced scrutiny from the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which investigated allegations that he channeled prohibited corporate funds into his 2002 campaign. The FEC dropped the inquiry, but Renzi has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes while settling the charges.

Other Republicans stepping down from Congress are former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., and Reps. Deborah Pryce, of Ohio, and Chip Pickering, of Mississippi, who said last week they won't seek re-election. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Ill., announced the same in late July.