Giffords stepping down from Congress

[The Straight Story]

Giffords stepping down from Congress

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced on YouTube today that she is stepping down from Congress in a two-minute video where she thanked the community for the support as she recovered from the shooting. Giffords said she plans to focus on her recovery.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/politics/articles/2012/01/22/20120122gabrielle-giffords-stepping-down-congress.html#breakingnews

[meow2u3]

1. That psycho who tried to kill her killed her political career

Currently, she is in no shape to be able to represent the people in her district.

I'm glad she did the right thing by resigning instead of doing what a repuke would do: keep taking the money while not doing a damn thing for his or her constituents.

[Are_grits_groceries]

4. Strom Thurmond was practically comatose

at the end of his career. It looked like his face was melting off.

[MineralMan]

2. Very sad, but not unexpected.

I'm sorry to hear it.

[former9thward]

3. This was the right decision.

I hope she can recover fully.

[etherealtruth]

5. This is really too bad

I agree that it is probably best for her and probably best for her constituents ... but, too bad.

[mzteris]

6. so does the Governor get to appoint

to complete the term, or is there a special election?

[tammywammy]

8. From the article:

Giffords' resignation will force a special election to fill her seat in the 8th Congressional District.

[mzteris]

9. sorry . . .

I should have read it, huh? this is for me

[mythology]

14. For the House, I believe a special election is mandatory

The rules for the Senate are different and vary by state.

[99Forever]

7. That really sucks.

I understand why, but it still sucks.

[hfojvt]

10. well that is kinda dumb

Why not just announce she is not seeking re-election and finish her term. She would not be the first disabled person to do so.

From "Bleeding Kansas" P. 99

"Three days later, Congressman Preston Brooks strode to the floor of the Senate. Brooks, a South Carolinian and relative of Senator Butler, found the Senators scattered about the chamber. Some chatted in the aisles, while others, including Sumner, worked at their desks. Brooks approached the Massachusetts Senator and struck him over the head and shoulders with his cane. As Sumner struggled under the rain of blows, he wrenched his desk from its bolts. Several minutes elapsed before astonsihed congressmen restrained Brooks. Having sustained severe head injuries, Sumner did not return to the Senate for two and a half years. TO EXPRESS OUTRAGE AT BROOKS'S ATTACK, Massachusetts re-elected Sumner even though he was physically unabled to fill his seat."

"Brooks resigned his congressional seat but was re-elected as a testament of South Carolina's support for his action. In fact, as he had broken his cane over Sumner's head, Southerners sent him replacements, including one engraved 'Hit him again.'" p. 100

Now there will be a special election in what - March? followed by another election in November.

[Marrah_G]

11. It's a good descision

I wish her and her family the very best.

[Renew Deal]

12. Wow

that's sad.

[JI7]

13. i wish her luck and hope she can one day come back