Rep. Giffords Retires from Congress

After 379 days of recovering from a point-blank shooting, Cong. Gabby Giffords announced she is retiring from Congress. She was among several persons shot -- including six who were killed -- by Jared Loughner on Jan. 8, 2011 in Tucson. This means Republicans and Democrats will both wage primary election contests to seek the nomination for the November general election in a district in Southern Arizona.Republican Cong. David Schweikert, a friend of Giffords from Scottsdale, issued the following statement on Giffords' retirement:“From the day she was first elected to the Arizona State Senate, to her three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, Gabby Giffords has been a great advocate for our state.“As she announces her resignation from Congress, I want to join with Arizonans in thanking her for her years of service and applaud her for always putting Arizona first. “It has been a pleasure to get to know Gabby, Mark, and her staff and to serve alongside her.“Joyce and I wish Gabby and Mark all the best wherever life takes them.”The Arizona Conservative wishes Rep. Giffords continued success in her recovery, as well as justice served on the alleged gunman, whose trial awaits the issue of mental competency.