U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords to resign from Congress this week after President Obama's State of the Union Address Tues., Obama, Rep. Fudge praise her
U.S. Rep Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords (D-AZ)
"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 posted to YouTube.Com. "I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country."
A congresswoman since 2007 who was despised by the conservative Republican leaning Tea Party for her support of Obama's health care reforms, Giffords was a victim of a shooting near Tucson last year which was reported to be an assassination attempt on her life. It occurred at a local supermarket where she was meeting publicly with constituents. She was critically injured by a gunshot wound to the head during a shooting spree that killed six and wounded 12 others, including members of her congressional staff.
In a press release to Cleveland Urban News.Com and The Kathy Wray Coleman Online News Blog.Com Obama praised Giffords as a fighter for her constituents and a valuable member of Congress.
"Gabby Giffords embodies the very best of what public service should be," said Obama "She’s universally admired for qualities that transcend party or ideology – a dedication to fairness, a willingness to listen to different ideas, and a tireless commitment to the work of perfecting our union. That’s why the people of Arizona chose Gabby to speak and fight and stand up for them."
The president said that over the last year Giffords and her husband Mark have taught Americans the true meaning of hope in the face of despair and determination in the face of incredible odds.
By Kathy Wray Coleman, Editor
Washington-D.C.-U.S. Rep. Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords (D-AZ), a Democratic congresswoman representing Arizona's 8th Congressional District and the wife of former astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander Mark E. Kelly, announced yesterday that she is resigning her congressional seat this week, after President Obama gives his State of the Union address Tues. evening, which she will attend.
"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 posted to YouTube.Com. "I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country."
A congresswoman since 2007 who was despised by the conservative Republican leaning Tea Party for her support of Obama's health care reforms, Giffords was a victim of a shooting near Tucson last year which was reported to be an assassination attempt on her life. It occurred at a local supermarket where she was meeting publicly with constituents. She was critically injured by a gunshot wound to the head during a shooting spree that killed six and wounded 12 others, including members of her congressional staff.
In a press release to Cleveland Urban News.Com and The Kathy Wray Coleman Online News Blog.Com Obama praised Giffords as a fighter for her constituents and a valuable member of Congress.
"Gabby Giffords embodies the very best of what public service should be," said Obama "She’s universally admired for qualities that transcend party or ideology – a dedication to fairness, a willingness to listen to different ideas, and a tireless commitment to the work of perfecting our union. That’s why the people of Arizona chose Gabby to speak and fight and stand up for them."
The president said that over the last year Giffords and her husband Mark have taught Americans the true meaning of hope in the face of despair and determination in the face of incredible odds.
Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), a Warrensville Hts. Democrat, praised Giffords too, and wished her luck in making a full recovery.
"Congresswoman Giffords is a heroic public servant and will surely be missed," said Fudge in a press release. "She has been a tireless advocate for her constituents. I had the pleasure of working with her on the Science, Space and Technology Committee and I wish her all the best as she leaves office to concentrate on her continued recovery."
Per state law Republican Arizona Gov. Janice Kay Brewer will name Giffords replacement, a likely Republican, political pundits say.
Per state law Republican Arizona Gov. Janice Kay Brewer will name Giffords replacement, a likely Republican, political pundits say.
Reach Kathy Wray Coleman by email at kathy@kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com, and by telephone at 216-932-3114.
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