Giffords to step down from Congress

[MaineDem]

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]

1. makes me sad

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]

2. This breaks my heart. Maybe her husband will run...

[Ptah]

39. Her husband doesn't live here, wasn't born here.

He can't run.

[Pab Sungenis]

3. And Jared Lee Loughner gets his way.

A victory for the violent right.

[DonCoquixote]

99. You know the Governor of Arizona

is secretly popping champagne as corporate bidders will come, offering largess for whatever STOOGE they can fill the slot with.

[Pab Sungenis]

106. Brewer doesn't get to fill the seat.

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]

108. OK, but

That does not mean she is not drooling at the chance to stack the deck.

[gateley]

4. Sad to lose her, but it I would have been uncomfortable with her resuming

such a pressure-filled position after what she's been through.

Remarkable woman.

[Stuckinthebush]

113. Agreed

Tragic as it is, she is likely in no shape to continue. That is probably the best decision for her and her family.

[Blacksheep214]

5. Get better!

I hope Arizona finds someone to keep her seat warm!

[MidwestTransplant]

9. Hopefully she will send Jan Brewer packing in a couple years.

[47of74]

38. That sounds like an excellent idea

Giffords for Governor.

[avaistheone1]

6. She's a courageous woman.

What a loss for Arizona and our country. I do hope she does return to public service.

Sad day.

[tawadi]

7. Sorry to hear this

And wishing her a full recovery.

[mopinko]

8. glad she finally decided to do this.

she really was leaving her constituents without representation.

[Blacksheep214]

10. As compared to Cantor

Boehner or any of those other D Bags?!

C'Mon Man!

[stonecutter357]

13. creepy

[Skittles]

37. ? not creepy

realistic

[Occulus]

110. the overtones of blame and fault were creepy

no matter how "realistic" the statement

[Skittles]

124. overtones?

whatever

[Stuckinthebush]

114. Agreed, Skittles

Realistic. Sad but realistic.

[OmahaBlueDog]

16. Two things. I too hope Mark Kelly runs, and "has a shot" was an unintended poor word choice

This is a sad day for America. Get well Gabby!

[ellisonz]

35. That would be excellent.

I'm not sure he wants it though...

Either way, Democrats everywhere should focus on not letting the Republicans take this seat.

[Ptah]

40. Her husband doesn't live here, wasn't born here.

He can't run here.

[CK_John]

56. As long as he is a citizen.

He can run for congress. And only needs to be a resident on the day he is sworn in to office.

[Ptah]

60. I don't believe he is wanted by the residents of this district. nt

[boppers]

76. District(S).

http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/012212_gabby_resign/giffords-resigning-from-congress/

...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]

77. I'll supprot either Matt Heinz or Paula Aboud if the choose to run.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Heinz

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Aboud

[boppers]

78. Heinz beat out Prezelski?

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]

79. Yes, another Raul would be the best possible outcome. nt

[AngryOldDem]

43. Exactly. She is doing the best thing for all concerned, first and foremost herself. n/t

[KILL THE WISE ONE]

45. This Constituent "Is most displeased with your comment"

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]

11. Assault clips killed dreams and careers.

And people.

[SnakeEyes]

25. there is no such thing as "assault clips"

Stop listening to Brady Campaign nonsense.

[Missy Vixen]

34. Oh, I see

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]

31. megfesters have killed the same amount as "assault clips"....

[Odin2005]

12. Oh no!

[aikoaiko]

15. Sad news. Hope she comes back to politics on her own terms.

Best wishes, GG.

[DU2012]

17. May God cure her

I hope she gets well.

[elleng]

18. 'The governor will set the date

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]

36. I would have preferred that she continued.

Anyway, if the Republican wins this one you'll hear about more shootings of Democratic officeholders. Don't let them.

[bananas]

19. They should archive her website

I liked the header image in particular.
http://giffords.house.gov

[Kingofalldems]

20. Luke Russert tweets: Dems floating Gifford's husband as her replacement

[Ptah]

42. Her husband doesn't live here, wasn't born here.

He can't run here.

[MaineDem]

50. I understand if he doesn't live there but what difference does not being born there make?

What's the residency requirement for the House? I'm sorry I don't remember.

[Ptah]

52. It makes no difference in qualifying for office.

I prefer she be replaced by someone that has been here for a long time.

[MaineDem]

54. Totally understandable.

I hope we win the seat.

[Paladin]

55. So Your Repeated, Identical Posts Here Are Nothing More Than Your Personal Preferences? (n/t)

[Ptah]

58. Whose personal preferences should I post?

Mark Kelly has never been a resident of Arizona.
He's not qualified to hold office in Arizona.

[glinda]

66. Bachmann was not born in MN., and she keeps getting re-elected.

I will be a lady and refrain from any "not qualified" comments.

[Bill O-Rights]

72. You probably should have said "he can't WIN here" if that is what you meant.

He most certainly can RUN there if he establishes a residency. He certainly meets all the other legal requirements.

[Paladin]

73. Exactly. (n/t)

[Ptah]

74. I should say, I don't think the residents of District 8 want him.

He has no history here.

[tcaudilllg]

132. Yeah really. There must be someone more qualified.

[Poll_Blind]

21. I will never forget how they trotted her out on the house floor to cast that debt ceiling vote.

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]

28. "Trotted her out"? I expect she was happy to do it.

Nothing sick about it.

[dipsydoodle]

57. Find someone who has suffered brain damage

before you reach that conclusion. I was appalled.

[PavePusher]

65. I agree dd. I think it was blatent sensationalism, bordering on litteral live puppetry.

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]

97. Her memory up until the day she was shot is fine.

It's her speaking ability that is affected. Her reasoning ability is functional. She is still Gabrielle Giffords. You're wrong.

[PavePusher]

104. Since I haven't seen her medical reports (nor should I, not my business)....

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]

116. So you're saying they're lying about her memory and cognitivie ability?

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]

111. I don't think you or I know the extent of her disabilities.

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]

115. That's what she stated in interviews...

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]

118. To protect future political prospects?

Why would they keep her condition secret?

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]

119. That's different from saying she's a puppet though...

...and incapable of making any political decisions.

[Atypical Liberal]

126. I didn't say she was a puppet.

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]

128. So do you agree or disagree with Poll Blind?

I disagree, from what I've seen, she's cognizant and capable of making intelligent decisions

[Atypical Liberal]

131. I do not have enough information to form an opinion about the extent of her mental disabilities.

And neither do you.

[ellisonz]

98. The effect of brain injury varies according to a number of factors...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traumatic_brain_injury

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]

22. Sad. All the best to her in her recovery

It's a long road. Glad she's focusing on it and giving herself the best chance to recover.

[SemperEadem]

23. Wow, I hate to hear that, but her health and recovery matter more

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]

41. Her husband doesn't live here, wasn't born here.

He can't run here.

[Ptah]

83. Sorry to be so repetitive.

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.

[Ptah]

85. Our political enemies did not shoot Gabby. nt

[Paladin]

87. They Facilitated It. (n/t)

[Ptah]

88. How. nt

[2ndAmForComputers]

89. Why the insistence on "wasn't BORN here?"

How is THAT relevant?

[Ptah]

91. It's my personal preference that my representative be rooted in my community.

There are many Arizona natives that represent us well.

No need to look beyond Pima County to find effective representatives.

[2ndAmForComputers]

94. I find that view narrow-minded.

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]

95. Of course I would not vote for a republican.

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]

121. Very narrow-minded of you

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]

122. I did not mean to imply you were not an Arizonan.

I'm trying to say, someone born and raised here is a better representative, in my opinion.

[dbackjon]

123. Why? What magic does being born here entail?

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]

127. Let me try to summarize.

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]

100. at the risk of pffenmding arizona

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]

102. Congressman Raul Grijalva is an example of local representation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ra%C3%BAl_Grijalva

[DonCoquixote]

103. Ok then

I pray you can clone him.

[xmas74]

71. When Mel died the ballots had already been printed.

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]

24. I'm so very sorry! I had such high hopes for her.

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]

26. Here's the YouTube message

[CTyankee]

29. the background music is so haunting. It sounds like the theme that ends "Sophie's Choice."

[Tx4obama]

64. And here's the TRANSCRIPT

Video Transcript:

"Arizona is my home, always will be. A lot has happened over the past year. We cannot change that. But I know on the issues we fought for we can change things for the better. Jobs, border security, veterans. We can do so much more by working together. I don't remember much from that horrible day, but I will never forget the trust you placed in me to be your voice. Thank you for your prayers and for giving me time to recover. I have more work to do on my recovery so to do what is best for Arizona I will step down this week. I'm getting better. Every day, my spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country. Thank you very much."

[glinda]

67. How is it possible that she is even more beautiful than before? Wow.

I wish her and her husband a fruitful joyful healthy loving life.

[Atypical Liberal]

112. thanks for posting this n/t

[craigmatic]

27. Terrible news. I wanted her to make that senate run but she'll be back.

[Taverner]

30. Jared wins. Fuck him.

[derby378]

32. My feelings exactly

This was one battle the bad guys were NOT supposed to win.

[PavePusher]

48. He only "wins" if you concede that he has done so.

I, for one, do not.

[Taverner]

61. Do you think this makes me happy?

I wish it weren't true, but I'm not going to lie.

And again, FUCK HIM

[PavePusher]

63. I said NOTHING about ANYONE being 'happy' about any of this.

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]

68. I wish I believed that she "can" come back. I am not a downer usually...I'm just a little

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]

69. I agree that this is the best possible outcome too...

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]

107. why are we always "surprised" when crazy people get guns and go on a shooting spree?

Are the crazy guys the bad guys here? Who else is responsible?

[ellisonz]

117. *cough* *cough*

Ahem...

[CTyankee]

120. Yeah, I know...

I'm a little jaded at this point...

[hack89]

125. How about all those folks that saw his violent erratic behavior but did not notify the authorities?

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]

130. Yep, there's the start. At the veryleast couldn't they have alerted the authorities?

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]

70. He didn't win

He wanted her dead, not resigned from office....

[2ndAmForComputers]

90. He only wins if a Republican wins the seat.

And that would make that Arizona district officially the Most Asshole Place on Earth. Let's hope not.

[Major Hogwash]

33. Arizona has lost one of their brightest stars in Congress.

The nights will be dimmer in Arizona for it.
Godspeed toward recovery, Gabreille.

[Beacool]

44. What a shame!!!

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]

46. Ahhhh, Gabby. We still need you. Get better and come back to us.

[The Wielding Truth]

49. I will never forget Palin and her targets and how Gabby warned us. Republican irresponsibility.

irresponsibility.

[Guy Montag]

47. Going to hold you to your promise to be back Gabby

We love you dearly.

[jimlup]

51. I have to say that I'm very impressed with Gabby's courage

And most important her integrity.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

53. Mission Accomplished.

And that's a horribly sad fact.

[PuffedMica]

59. And the winner is

[sandyj999]

62. She has given more to her country than many.

She deserves to concentrate on herself and her family. She was given a second chance and treasures it.

[Jefferson23]

75. Completely understandable..I wish her all the very best, she deserves it.

Recommend.

[Broderick]

80. Best wishes to a strong courageous woman

Sad to see her leave office.

[BlueIris]

81. Damnit.

((((( Rep. Giffords & Family )))))

[KeyserSoze87]

86. The "liberal" media will do everything it can to get a Republican to take her seat.

[JNelson6563]

92. Sad for us but good for her.

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]

93. She is a remarkable person and has my deepest respect.

Sad to see her go, but she needs to take care of Gaby now. I wish her all the best.

[MrMickeysMom]

96. The country will still need you when you're ready, Gabby.

All the best in your coming back with a vengence!

[DonCoquixote]

101. Today, the right wing uses assassins

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]

105. I remember the first time I heard about Rep. Giffords.

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]

129. I am profoundly saddened

Giffords is an exceptionally courageous woman.