Rep. Trent Franks resigning from Congress

[Arizona Freedom Alliance]

Arizona Congressman Trent Franks has announced his decision to resign from Congress, according to a statement he released Thursday on the matter.

Trent said he will leave his seat on Jan. 31, 2018 following complaints from two of his employees, with whom he discussed the subject of becoming a surrogate for he and his wife, who he said have had difficulty with fertility.

The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics had previously released a statement announcing an investigation into the congressman regarding possible sexual harassment.

"Pursuant to the Committee's action, the Investigation Subcommittee shall have jurisdiction to determine whether Representative Trent Franks engaged in conduct that constitutes sexual harassment and/or retaliation for opposing sexual harassment, in violation of House Rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct," the statement said.

In Trent's resignation letter said he "absolutely never physically intimidated, coerced, or had, or attempted to have, any sexual contact with any member of my congressional staff."

"However, I do want to take full and personal responsibility for the ways I have broached a topic that, unbeknownst to me until very recently, made certain individuals uncomfortable."

The congressman elaborated on his and his wife's difficulty with fertility and adoption through the years and wanted to have another child, in addition to their twins. He said because of his "familiarity and experience with the process" he "clearly became insensitive" about how discussing surrogacy "might affect others."

Trent said he learned of the committee's intention to open an inquiry into the matter and doesn't believe he'd have a fair investigation "before distorted and sensationalized versions of this story" brought criticism onto those involved.

Foxnews.com

[Jaspersgoat]

I clicked Like because I like that it was posted so we can have our say!  I don't like the situation and when Paul Ryan tells Franks to resign, he just wants to get rid of a Trump supporter. He's the last guy I'd take advice from.  This is a sad day for Arizona.  On top of that, we will be paying for a Special Election, Primary and General just a few months before the actual usual elections.  No one in that district is primed to run but we can be sure good old McCain will come up with someone.

Bob Stump thew his hat in the ring immediately. Isn't he the one who was booted from the corporation commission for bad behavior? Is he a McCain guy?

[John5319]

I'm getting sick and tired of the waiting for the Justice Department under Jeff Sessions to act in accordance with the LAW. It's Ryan, McConnell, and the underlings within the establishment that are constantly telling us excuses as they just flip us off with "the fickle finger of fate" so that they can live under a domain where we're too stupid to know there own deceitful plan.

It all reminds me of what FDR said "In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way".  Trump HAD BETTER wake up to the evil. 

[Mike White]

Sessions is probably overwhelmed by the large number of entrenched upper- and mid-managers who can and likely are undermining (and leaking) any move he tries to make to get someone out of a key role and perhaps even investigated.

[Jaspersgoat]

if you fellas would have read this article and the links that go with it you might have a different idea about the DOJ, etc  http://arizonafreedomalliance.ning.com/group/watching-trump/forum/t...

I don't know if this affects the republicans but the dems should be quivering in their size 12 boots

[Mike White]

Down in the Valley, folks are already speculating that Ducey might appoint the 86 year old Joe Arpaio to fill the slot.  That would be great on one hand, but on the other hand, maybe we need someone solide who could stay and advance in the House (and maybe later the Senate) for, say, 15-20 years.  Just no RINOs, please!

[Mike White]

Fox News (national, not the local station) came up with that one, and they were serious.  Might there be a temporary filling until that period in late March?

[Jaspersgoat]

There is no way Ducey will appoint Arpaio and he shouldn't bc he's too old.  It happens to the lucky ones, getting old.  Ducey would appoint one of his own, like Kirk Adams.  I'm not sure there has to be a special election this close to regular elections.  I've been looking into that and it's a little fuzzy. Media on OAN is saying an appointment is in order.  You can put your mind to rest, it will be a RINO.  I don't want anyone staying in elected office for more than 3 terms.

[Angie Anderson]

https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/a...

Governor Ducey has 72 hours to call a special election. God bless the family of Trent Franks.

Seems a more sinister force is at work here to weaken Arizona with greater cost for the  taxpayers!

Stay alert out there. 

[Mike White]

This has all happened way too fast for us to process in a normal fashion all of the released facts so far.  The Congressman's actions seem disproportionate in their response to the alleged accusations and circumstances.  There have to be more underlying currents in play here, whether they be sinister as you surmise or perhaps just flowing along in the path of least resistance.  There is more yet to be disclosed, me thinks.  Losing a Freedom Caucus member is far more significant than most realize.