Matt Ortega

Roll Call reported today that Congressman Rick Renzi (R-Flagstaff, Ariz.) said in a statement that he will not seek re-election in 2008, ending one of the most ethically clouded reigns in Congress. (Subscription required.)

“I will not be seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008. I am honored and thankful to serve Arizona’s first district and appreciate all that we have accomplished together over the past 6 years.”

Renzi’s retirement announcement adds to a list of GOP Members planning to depart upon the conclusion of the 110th Congress, including Reps. Ray LaHood (Ill.), Deborah Pryce (Ohio) and Chip Pickering (Miss.), as well as former Speaker and Rep. Dennis Hastert (Ill.).

His decision not to run may help the Republicans’ chances in a district that barely remained in the GOP’s hands last year.

But while some of those retirements and the open seats they are creating could cause problems for the Republicans’ hopes of recapturing the majority, Renzi’s departure could help the GOP by allowing them to nominate a replacement that is free of the ethical baggage that appears to have ultimately undone the Congressman’s future.

Renzi staved off a spirited challenge from his Democratic challenger last cycle, but saw his political fortunes plummet following an FBI raid of a business connected to his family as part of a federal probe into his dealings as a Congressman.

Check with Blog for Arizona’s Michael Bryan on statewide reactions.