WASHINGTON, April 28 (UPI) -- Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., has rejected speculation he plans to resign, but his political future looks uncertain.
Speculation grew this week that Renzi would leave Congress in connection with a federal investigation into a corruption scandal. He has had little in the way of public support from Republican Party leaders, and news of the investigation seems to have affected his fundraising for the 2008 campaign, the Arizona Republican reported Saturday.
However, Renzi issued a statement denying wrongdoing and vowing to remain in office.
"For several weeks, I have been the subject of leaked stories, conjecture and false attacks about a land exchange," the statement said. "None of them bear any resemblance to the truth, including the rumor that I am planning on resigning."
The statement had little effect on speculation in Washington and Arizona that Renzi might not serve the remainder of his term, the newspaper said.
The FBI raided Renzi's family business in Arizona last week. Since then, he has stepped down from all his House committee assignments and dropped out of a GOP fundraiser that directs contributions to incumbents regarded as most vulnerable.
