A bullet to the head nearly ended her life that fateful day in January at a Tucson, AZ Safeway parking lot. But now, complications from that same bullet are ending a career.
Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced yesterday that she intends to resign from congress this week so as to devote more time to her recovery. Giffords would have been up for reelection this year, but felt she couldn’t effectively do the people’s business on behalf of Arizona while still facing an uphill rehabilitation process.
“A lot has happened over the past year. We cannot change that,” Giffords said in the video posted on her Facebook page. “… 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.”
House Speaker John Boehner and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi both commended Giffords on her impending resignation. “I salute Congresswoman Giffords for her service, and for the courage and perseverance she has shown in the face of tragedy. She will be missed,” said Speaker Boehner. Leader Pelosi added that Giffords’ “message of bipartisanship and civility is one that all in Washington and the nation should honor and emulate.”
Under Arizona law, Gov. Jan Brewer will have 72 hours after the vacancy to call a special election for Giffords’ 8th District seat.
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