PHOENIX - Democratic state Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick resigned from the Legislature on Tuesday to run next year for the 1st Congressional District seat now held by Republican U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi.

Kirkpatrick, a 57-year-old Flagstaff attorney, was in her second term in the state House, representing a legislative district that includes Flagstaff and the Navajo Reservation.

The 1st Congressional District includes much of rural northern and eastern Arizona, including Flagstaff, Prescott and the Navajo Reservation.

Renzi has been dogged by ethics question, and Kirkpatrick said she wants to restore integrity and confidence in the federal government.

Renzi, who has stepped down from House committees, has insisted he is not resigning from his congressional seat, but it is unclear whether he will seek re-election.

azcentral.com