Rep. Renzi indicted on corruption charges

By James Vicini and Randall Mikkelsen)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican U.S. Rep. Richard Renzi of Arizona, a state co-chair for Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign, was indicted on corruption charges stemming from land deals in his state, Justice Department officials said on Friday.

The 35-count indictment stemmed from plans by Renzi and a business associate, a real estate investor, to benefit from a land-exchange deal in Arizona in return for Renzi's support for necessary federal legislation, according to court documents.

McCain, who faced new scrutiny about his ethics this week, reacted to Renzi's indictment and told reporters in Indianapolis, "I'm sorry. I feel for the family. As you know he has 12 children."

There was no indication McCain was connected to the case.

The indictment handed up by a federal grand jury in Arizona said, "It was an object of the conspiracy for Renzi to enrich (his associate) and personally benefit himself."

The indictment, which included charges of conspiracy, fraud, money laundering and official extortion, also accused the three-term congressman of embezzling premiums from clients of an insurance business to fund his congressional campaign.

Renzi, who has had a solid conservative voting record since first being elected to Congress in 2002, also was accused of concealing his receipt of more than $733,000 from the associate in 2005.

His office in Washington declined to comment on the indictment, referring inquiries to his lawyer, Reid Weingarten, who was not immediately available.