Cole declined to call for resignation of Rep. Rick Renzi’s (R-Ariz)

National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman Tom Cole declined to call publicly for Rep. Rick Renzi’s (R-Ariz.) resignation on Monday, saying his friend is innocent until proven guilty.

The embattled Renzi said months ago that he would not seek reelection this year but has vowed to serve out the rest of his term. After he was indicted on 35 federal charges last month, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) pressed for him to step down.

Cole (R-Okla.), a classmate of Renzi’s who has worked closely with him on Native American issues, appeared to distance himself from Boehner’s sentiment when asked about it at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast.
Cole and Boehner have tangled over Cole’s leadership at the NRCC, but Cole had initially indicated that he supported Boehner’s comments about Renzi.

“I think he’s got every right to do what he thinks,” Cole said of Renzi. “I guess I believe in the American legal system. You’re allowed to go argue your case. I don’t tell people that they ought to resign, and I wouldn’t share that kind of discussion, honestly, in a public venue anyway.”

That differs from what Cole said immediately after Boehner suggested Renzi step down: “I support Leader Boehner and believe he is taking the appropriate steps to address this very serious matter,” Cole had said.

Renzi is scheduled to be arraigned March 6.

— Aaron Blake