Preliminary investigation into Renzi land deal
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Federal authorities have opened a preliminary investigation into a land deal involving Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Arizona), according to news reports.
The probe centers on a complaint that Renzi pressured landowners to buy a 480-acre parcel owned by his former business partner. James Sandlin, the former partner, ended up making $3 million in the deal.
Authorities want to know whether Sandlin's political contributions were behind Renzi's involvement. The $3 million deal came just days after Renzi introduced legislation that included Sandlin's property.
Renzi, who hired a lawyer on Tuesday, is running for re-election. His Democratic opponent is Ellen Simon.
The 1st Congressional district is 22.6 percent Native American. It includes parts of the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, Zuni and other reservations.
Get the Story:
Reports: Feds scrutinizing Renzi over potential land swap (The Arizona Republic 10/25)
Lawmaker's Influence in Land Deals Probed
(The Washington Post 10/25)
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Congressman From Arizona Is the Focus of an Inquiry (The New York Times 10/25)
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Relevant Links:
Rep. Rick Renzi -
http://www.house.gov/renziRick
Renzi, campaign site -
http://www.rickrenzi.comEllen
Simon for Congress -
http://www.ellensimonforcongress.com
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(10/27)
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Renzi wins endorsement of
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