Giffords to step down from Congress
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.
Read more: http://azstarnet.com/news/local/giffords-to-step-down-from-congress/article_638da002-4526-11e1-ba27-001871e3ce6c.html#ixzz1kDO4EzWZ
Granted, her recovery is the most important thing for her at this point.
barbtries
(28,787 posts)but i'm sure it must be the best thing for her. that's who she needs to be concentrating on. wish her all the best.
Liberal_Stalwart71
(20,450 posts)Ptah
(33,024 posts)He can't run.
Pab Sungenis
(9,612 posts)A victory for the violent right.
DonCoquixote
(13,616 posts)is secretly popping champagne as corporate bidders will come, offering largess for whatever STOOGE they can fill the slot with.
Pab Sungenis
(9,612 posts)Governors only get to fill Senate vacancies. It has to go to a special election, or remain vacant until November. (Not sure which Arizona law prescribes.)
DonCoquixote
(13,616 posts)That does not mean she is not drooling at the chance to stack the deck.
gateley
(62,683 posts)such a pressure-filled position after what she's been through.
Remarkable woman.
Stuckinthebush
(10,844 posts)Tragic as it is, she is likely in no shape to continue. That is probably the best decision for her and her family.
Blacksheep214
(877 posts)I hope Arizona finds someone to keep her seat warm!
MidwestTransplant
(8,015 posts)47of74
(18,470 posts)Giffords for Governor.
avaistheone1
(14,626 posts)What a loss for Arizona and our country. I do hope she does return to public service.
Sad day.
tawadi
(2,110 posts)And wishing her a full recovery.
mopinko
(70,078 posts)she really was leaving her constituents without representation.
Blacksheep214
(877 posts)Boehner or any of those other D Bags?!
C'Mon Man!
stonecutter357
(12,695 posts)Skittles
(153,150 posts)realistic
Occulus
(20,599 posts)no matter how "realistic" the statement
Skittles
(153,150 posts)whatever
Stuckinthebush
(10,844 posts)Realistic. Sad but realistic.
Response to mopinko (Reply #8)
Occupy_2012 This message was self-deleted by its author.
OmahaBlueDog
(10,000 posts)This is a sad day for America. Get well Gabby!
ellisonz
(27,711 posts)I'm not sure he wants it though...
Either way, Democrats everywhere should focus on not letting the Republicans take this seat.
Ptah
(33,024 posts)He can't run here.
CK_John
(10,005 posts)He can run for congress. And only needs to be a resident on the day he is sworn in to office.
Ptah
(33,024 posts)boppers
(16,588 posts)...some names being discussed, haven't seen any formal announcements yet....
(I spent the first 33 years of my life there, went to UHS with Gabby, if I was more politically inclined, *I* might consider running...)
Ptah
(33,024 posts)boppers
(16,588 posts)I'll have to ask Tom about that, I knew he lost, but never probed into why.... wow, Tucson is a small place.
Can't you guys just, oh, clone Raul? Pretty Please?
Ptah
(33,024 posts)AngryOldDem
(14,061 posts)KILL THE WISE ONE
(1,120 posts)I was/am happy with the great service from her staff. There has never been a vote in her recover period that has come so close that a single vote would have mattered.
onehandle
(51,122 posts)And people.
SnakeEyes
(1,407 posts)Stop listening to Brady Campaign nonsense.
Missy Vixen
(16,207 posts)More important to correct the poster than to make the connection that Gabrielle Giffords has to relinquish her office due to a gun in the hands of someone who never should have had access to one, isn't it?
IamK
(956 posts)Odin2005
(53,521 posts)aikoaiko
(34,169 posts)Best wishes, GG.
DU2012
(15 posts)I hope she gets well.
elleng
(130,865 posts)for special primary and general elections to determine who will serve the remainder of Giffords' term.
Before she leaves office, Giffords will finish her Congress On Your Corner event that was interrupted by a gunman on Jan. 8, 2011. In a private gathering in Tucson, Giffords will meet with some of the people who were at the event, her staff said.
As one of her last acts as a member of Congress, Giffords will attend the State of the Union speech Tuesday at the Capitol.'
tcaudilllg
(1,553 posts)Anyway, if the Republican wins this one you'll hear about more shootings of Democratic officeholders. Don't let them.
bananas
(27,509 posts)I liked the header image in particular.
http://giffords.house.gov
Kingofalldems
(38,451 posts)Ptah
(33,024 posts)He can't run here.
MaineDem
(18,161 posts)What's the residency requirement for the House? I'm sorry I don't remember.
Ptah
(33,024 posts)I prefer she be replaced by someone that has been here for a long time.
MaineDem
(18,161 posts)I hope we win the seat.
Paladin
(28,252 posts)Ptah
(33,024 posts)Mark Kelly has never been a resident of Arizona.
He's not qualified to hold office in Arizona.
glinda
(14,807 posts)I will be a lady and refrain from any "not qualified" comments.
Bill O-Rights
(40 posts)He most certainly can RUN there if he establishes a residency. He certainly meets all the other legal requirements.
Paladin
(28,252 posts)Ptah
(33,024 posts)He has no history here.
tcaudilllg
(1,553 posts)Poll_Blind
(23,864 posts)Fucking sick.
I don't know if someone linked to her resignation video but it's hard not to watch it without tearing up. Regardless of what you think of her politics or standpoints or any of that: She was a human being who was elected as a representative of her peers and whose just and lawful representation was stolen from her constituents by a madman.
Whether or not she recovers enough to run again, I hope she continues to recover and be with her family and enjoy a long and full life.
It's tough to really grasp how big this tragedy really has been for everyone involved.
PB
Kurmudgeon
(1,751 posts)Nothing sick about it.
dipsydoodle
(42,239 posts)before you reach that conclusion. I was appalled.
PavePusher
(15,374 posts)Admitedly, this is from the outside looking in. But it does not appear to me that she is in full command of her mental processes yet. I hope I am wrong, because if I'm not, it truely was a bizzare and sick display.
ellisonz
(27,711 posts)It's her speaking ability that is affected. Her reasoning ability is functional. She is still Gabrielle Giffords. You're wrong.
PavePusher
(15,374 posts)all I have to go by are her limited public appearances to date. And her actions appear, to me, be heavily coached and guided, to an alarming extent in the face of claims of her cognitive abilities.
ellisonz
(27,711 posts)Because every article and interview on the matter I've seen suggests that she has her memory up until the day of the shooting from the period after she woke up, although less so than that before. Her cognitive and memory skills seem to be dramatically improved from after she came out of coma.
That she's being used as a puppet, and is incapable of making decisions? You have no real evidence of that. She's capable of processing information and making a reasoned judgment.
That's from April...she's no more coached and guided than you!
Atypical Liberal
(5,412 posts)The fact of the matter is, this lady had a hole blown through her brain. I don't think the full extent of her condition is known to people like you or I.
ellisonz
(27,711 posts)I would expect the docs checked her out fully. I'm betting you didn't watch the Dianne Sawyer interview, the Nightline coverage of that interview, read articles on this topic, or care to search out an answer. You're just giving a reflexive answer.
Why would they keep her condition secret?
Atypical Liberal
(5,412 posts)Seriously? If you were a politician and had a debilitating brain injury would you not try to keep the extent of such an injury secret? I'm not saying this is actually the case with Giffords, but it's certainly an obvious answer to your question.
I'm betting you didn't watch the Dianne Sawyer interview, the Nightline coverage of that interview, read articles on this topic, or care to search out an answer. You're just giving a reflexive answer.
I've followed this pretty closely, actually. And there is actually very little footage of her post-shooting. All that can be definitively said is that she has definite speech and motor impairment. There is little in the footage that allows me to discern much about her thinking ability, and I don't think you can, either.
It's clear from her departure from government that obviously she thinks her ability to function as a representative is compromised.
ellisonz
(27,711 posts)...and incapable of making any political decisions.
Atypical Liberal
(5,412 posts)I simply said that from the videos I've seen, it is not really possible to determine the extent of her mental impairment.
Clearly speech and motor skills have been effected, at least.
ellisonz
(27,711 posts)I disagree, from what I've seen, she's cognizant and capable of making intelligent decisions
Atypical Liberal
(5,412 posts)And neither do you.
ellisonz
(27,711 posts)Giffords is very lucky. Just about anywhere else in she would have permanent, disabling injuries. Her injury appears to be only likely temporary, only affecting her communicative abilities, and not her memory or thinking ability. Thank God.
tpsbmam
(3,927 posts)It's a long road. Glad she's focusing on it and giving herself the best chance to recover.
SemperEadem
(8,053 posts)I hope that this will rally and increase her base so that it is served by the best candidate for the highest good of all Arizonans. Enough tragedy has taken place and it would be an even greater tragedy if someone totally unacceptable is "appointed" by brewer.
Has her husband expressed any interest in taking up her mantle? If I recall correctly, Mel Carnahan's widow serve in his seat in MO after he was killed in a plane crash right before the election he won? Gifford's husband certainly knows her views and feelings on policy, that's for sure. It all depends if he feels called to this form of service over the kind of service he's giving his country now.
Ptah
(33,024 posts)He can't run here.
Response to Ptah (Reply #41)
Tesha This message was self-deleted by its author.
Ptah
(33,024 posts)I responded to each suggestion that her husband replace her.
I think we can find a representative that has more of a connection to Southern Arizona
than just marriage.
Response to Ptah (Reply #83)
Tesha This message was self-deleted by its author.
Ptah
(33,024 posts)Paladin
(28,252 posts)Response to Ptah (Reply #85)
Tesha This message was self-deleted by its author.
2ndAmForComputers
(3,527 posts)How is THAT relevant?
Ptah
(33,024 posts)There are many Arizona natives that represent us well.
No need to look beyond Pima County to find effective representatives.
2ndAmForComputers
(3,527 posts)Let's say Joe was born in Ohio and moved to Arizona to attend college. He stays there after graduating. Twenty years hence, he runs for office. In AZ, obviously. Is having being born elsewhere a flaw? Really? Would you vote for the local-born Republican against Democrat Joe?
Ptah
(33,024 posts)Let's say your 'Joe from Ohio' was really John McCain.
Or Jon Kyl.
I'm trying to say, someone born and raised here is a better representative.
dbackjon
(6,578 posts)I was born and raised in Illinois, but have made Arizona my home for almost 30 years. I am JUST AS MUCH AN ARIZONAN as anyone else.
Your line of thinking is repugnant.
Ptah
(33,024 posts)I'm trying to say, someone born and raised here is a better representative, in my opinion.
dbackjon
(6,578 posts)So Ev Mecham would be better than me simply because he was born here.
Sorry, but you are exhibiting bigotry. You may not think you are, but you are.
Ptah
(33,024 posts)Some have suggested Mark Kelly would be a good replacement for Gabby Giffords.
I state that among other things, he was not born here nor has he spent any
significant time here. I have suggested two potential candidates, both Tucson
natives, now serving in the Arizona Legislature.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Heinz
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Aboud
I think that they, being natives, have a life long perspective relevant to
the position of AZ Representative.
I think you are stretching that too far, inferring I would vote for Ev Mecham.
There are many factors I consider when choosing my representatives.
Home town is just one of them.
DonCoquixote
(13,616 posts)I almost hope that whoever runs is a little LEES representative of that culture. I can smell some someone offering "second amendment remedies" to be used on Mexicans and liberals! Yes, Arizona is a reactionary pit.
Ptah
(33,024 posts)DonCoquixote
(13,616 posts)I pray you can clone him.
xmas74
(29,674 posts)Jean took over for him when he posthumously won his senate campaign. I remember quite well that there were many, many "I'm still with Mel" votes. (I had a button that said just that!)
I loved that Mel won after everything that happened but I do have to apologize to the nation. Mel's win is what freed up Ashcroft to take on the AG job.
Auntie Bush
(17,528 posts)She's young and maybe she can make a comeback in 4 years. Now she needs to work on her recovery which is much more important.
47of74
(18,470 posts)CTyankee
(63,903 posts)Tx4obama
(36,974 posts)Video Transcript:
glinda
(14,807 posts)I wish her and her husband a fruitful joyful healthy loving life.
Atypical Liberal
(5,412 posts)craigmatic
(4,510 posts)Taverner
(55,476 posts)derby378
(30,252 posts)This was one battle the bad guys were NOT supposed to win.
PavePusher
(15,374 posts)I, for one, do not.
Taverner
(55,476 posts)I wish it weren't true, but I'm not going to lie.
And again, FUCK HIM
PavePusher
(15,374 posts)Please don't put words in my mouth.
I think the best possible current outcome is that she steps down, her district (me) gets fully capable representation, she takes as much time to heal as required and, if she's up to it, comes back and runs for election again. I think, if she came back fully competent, that she'd win in an enormous landslide.
I fully agree on the "FUCK HIM".
CTyankee
(63,903 posts)skeptical that it can happen. But hey, miracles do happen, so I am willing to believe. But at this point is is best that she resign and let someone else represent the district. She is doing the honorable and responsible thing (what a concept!). I look forward to hearing from her and her progress in the future...bless her...
Taverner
(55,476 posts)BUT, that still doesn't mean the bad guy didn't win...
He managed to destroy several lives that day, as well as take out a few, and chase a perfectly capable, truly centrist (not GOP-lite) congresswoman out of office.
Maybe he can "Conscience Dream" the rest of his life inside a prison.
CTyankee
(63,903 posts)Are the crazy guys the bad guys here? Who else is responsible?
ellisonz
(27,711 posts)Ahem...
CTyankee
(63,903 posts)I'm a little jaded at this point...
hack89
(39,171 posts)his family being at the top of the list. There are ways to protect society from people like him if others have the courage to do the right thing.
CTyankee
(63,903 posts)The guy was mentally unstable, for chrssake! didn't they know it, and why didn't they report it? what is the mindset of people that they WOULD'NT do this ?
that is the real question, isn't tit?
stevekatz
(152 posts)He wanted her dead, not resigned from office....
2ndAmForComputers
(3,527 posts)And that would make that Arizona district officially the Most Asshole Place on Earth. Let's hope not.
Major Hogwash
(17,656 posts)The nights will be dimmer in Arizona for it.
Godspeed toward recovery, Gabreille.
Beacool
(30,247 posts)I wish her the best in her recovery. Amazing how one crazy person can do so much damage to so many with one gun.
So much unnecessary violence.............
The Wielding Truth
(11,415 posts)The Wielding Truth
(11,415 posts)irresponsibility.
Guy Montag
(126 posts)We love you dearly.
jimlup
(7,968 posts)And most important her integrity.
RUMMYisFROSTED
(30,749 posts)And that's a horribly sad fact.
PuffedMica
(1,061 posts)sandyj999
(1,628 posts)She deserves to concentrate on herself and her family. She was given a second chance and treasures it.
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)Recommend.
Broderick
(4,578 posts)Sad to see her leave office.
BlueIris
(29,135 posts)((((( Rep. Giffords & Family )))))
KeyserSoze87
(317 posts)JNelson6563
(28,151 posts)She needs to be free to focus on recovery. Perhaps she'll be back one day, stronger than before.
I wish her great happiness, whatever she chooses to do.
Julie
man4allcats
(4,026 posts)Sad to see her go, but she needs to take care of Gaby now. I wish her all the best.
MrMickeysMom
(20,453 posts)All the best in your coming back with a vengence!
DonCoquixote
(13,616 posts)to get what they want..
It woprked for MLK, JFK, RFK,
and everyone else tthe right wing wanted dead!
But if they are allowed to WIN,
and yes, this is a WIN for the GOP,
then soon, they will simply cut out the middleman,
and stand liberals against the wall!
Tommy_Carcetti
(43,173 posts)It was on an interview with her on NPR. I was headed home, my wife was scheduled for a C section for my second daughter that day. I heard Rep. Giffords and she seemed like a very bright, well spoken, sensible woman, someone I could understand why the voters elected.
Two days later, I remember watching the TV in my wife's hospital room and finding out the news that she had been shot. Amazingly sad.
I wish the best to her in her recovery and hopefully continued public service.
tabasco
(22,974 posts)Giffords is an exceptionally courageous woman.