Rep. Giffords should resign her seat (CNN)

CNN ^ | June 24, 2011 | Paul Sracic

[Paul Kib]

(CNN) -- In the months since the shooting of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, reports about her condition have been sparse. We have learned of a follow-up surgery to repair her skull and that she was recently released from a rehabilitation hospital...

...Should the media and the public be so reluctant to demand more information? The Arizona Democrat is not just a private citizen; she is a sitting member of Congress. Do Giffords' responsibilities demand a more searching inquiry into her health? No one is asking this question because it seems moot...

...In reality, the congresswoman is not carrying out any of these responsibilities. Even from the limited information that has been made available, we know that for the near term Giffords cannot carry out her committee assignments, debate on the floor of the House, and, most importantly cast a vote. The result is that for all intents and purposes, the gunman's bullet that so severely injured Giffords also silenced the people of Arizona's 8th Congressional District. Isn't the obvious solution for her to resign and allow Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer to call a special election to fill her seat?...

...Being a member of Congress, however, is also a job. More than that, it is a job that lies at the heart of our democracy. Although we all wish Giffords a swift and full recovery, we also wish the nearly 650,000 residents of her district to be represented in Congress. While her staff may still be in place, being assisted no doubt by other members of Congress, the staff cannot vote.

[Paul Kib]

It's fascinating to read the comments below this article. People seem to think that her congressional seat should forevermore be a shrine to Giffords and by virtue of her shooting, she has a perpetual right to that seat. That it would be cruel to remove her. Of course, anyone who calls for a recall election is going to be characterized as the latest reincarnation of Hitler, but Scracic makes some good points and he's right to call for her to do the honorable thing and resign.

[Twotone]

If it has to be a democrat in office, I prefer one unable to fulfill the duties of the position. Any chances of getting a Republican in if she leaves?

[Hoodat]

Any chances of getting a Republican in if she leaves?

I seriously doubt it since it was Republican Sarah Palin that shot her.

[vaudine]

This article is true. One of the unsaid things about Giffords is that although she seems to have been very outgoing and personable, she was an ardent environmentalist and global warming supporter.

It would be a very good thing for Ariz. and the country if she resigned.

vaudine

[Uncle Ike]

I’m not entirely convinced that brain damage would be an impediment to being a Democrat member of the Senate -

[RitaOK]

Any chances of getting a Republican in if she leaves?====

Sarah Palin.

[buccaneer81]

Democrats have a history of this with Sheets Byrd and Swimmah Kennedy being the most recent examples. Not that Ms. Giffords is going to die, but her return to duty is extremely doubtful.

I read that she has until May 8, 2012 to file paperwork for reelection.

[basil]

Uh==excuse me! What on earth are you talking about?

[ansel12]

ROTFL

[Navy Patriot]

The Rats (including Scracic) just want a votin' Marxist in that seat, the rest is just hogwash.

Good points my ....

[kevslisababy]

Good point...It makes me think the dems want to keep her there, because they fear the results of a special election, and the republicans want her there because it’s half as good as winning a special election.

[EGPWS]

I seriously doubt it since it was Republican Sarah Palin that shot her.

It was?

I thought it was an unemployed surveyor.

[BubbaBobTX]

Explain to me how she represents the interests of the people of AZ when she spends most of her time in Houston or DC? I never have figured that out.

[Cheetahcat]

Democrats are not known for mental ability,So she would be fine.

[ansel12]

Why would you want the front runner for the 2012 primary, the next Reagan, the conservative, to drop out of the 2012 race?

[bigbob]

Unless Paul Sracic lives in her district, I think he should leave this matter to the people who do.

[trumandogz]

The GOP would be morons to push for her to resign.

[Repeal 16-17]

Is she mentally capable of resigning? How much brain damage has she suffered?