Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords announced today that she was resigning from Congress in order to focus on her recovery in order to do what is best for Arizona.
Admitting that she remembers very little from that tragic day a little more than a year ago, when she was shot by Jared Loughner, who is mentally ill, Giffords states, "Arizona is my home. It always will be. A lot has happened over this past year. We cannot change that. But I know on the issues we fought for, we can change things for the better."
Dim lights Embed Embed this video on your site
Below are the responses from leaders across the state. This will be updated as more statements come in.
Statement by Governor Jan Brewer on the resignation of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:
"Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has been a noble public servant to the State of Arizona, and a model of what can be accomplished with persistence and determination. Her remarkable recovery over the last year is an inspiration to us all.
"As with all Americans, I will continue to hold Gabby in my thoughts and prayers as she continues on this path toward recovery.
"Upon the Congresswoman's office being officially declared vacant, I will call a special Primary and General Election in order to fill the 8th Congressional District vacancy, in accordance with Arizona law. The winner will complete the remainder of Congresswoman Giffords' term, which expires at the end of 2012."
Governor Brewer will be making a public statement at 4 pm on Sunday at the State Capitol.
Arizona Democratic Party Chairman Andrei Cherny released the following statement on Rep. Gabby Giffords' decision to step down from Congress in order to focus on her recovery:
"Gabby Giffords' tenacity and generous spirit have always made her the example of what is best in Arizona. As she said today, nothing can change what happened last January. But in her time in public life, she has changed Arizona and America for the better. As she continues her work on her recovery, I have no doubt she will also continue to work for and inspire all of us in so many ways in the years to come."
Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona's Sixth District, today issued the following statement regarding Congresswoman Giffords' announcement of her resignation from Congress:
"Gabby is a class act whose accomplishments and dedication to bettering our state and nation will continue in the years to come. She has been and will continue to be an effective advocate for the issues and causes that she cares deeply about," said Flake.
"I want to be sure to pass along thanks to Gabby's amazing staff. They have done a remarkable job in continuing to faithfully and respectfully serve the people of Arizona's 8th District over the last year."
Republican Congressman Paul Gosar, representative from the current CD 1:
"I wish for and will continue praying for the recovery of Congresswoman Gifford's. Her smile and can-do attitude will be missed in the delegation and in Congress."
