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Report: Michael Grimm Could Resign This Week (Updated)

(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
By Emma Dumain
Posted December 29, 2014 at 9:24pm

Updated 10:46 p.m. | Rep. Michael G. Grimm intends to resign from the House after pleading guilty to tax evasion, according to local media reports.  

The New York Republican’s decision to step down, first reported by the New York Daily News , would be a reversal of his pledge last week to remain in office despite pleading guilty to a felony charge for which he could face time in prison.  

Late Monday evening, a senior House GOP aide familiar with conversations told CQ Roll Call that Grimm plans to leave office before the start of the 114th Congress, which is scheduled to commence on Jan. 6.  

Grimm has, since the spring, been battling a 20-count federal indictment in connection to the health food store he owned and operated prior to his election to Congress. He had, up until his Dec. 23 plea hearing in court, maintained his innocence on all the counts and soared to re-election to a third term in office — promising to fight the charges and be exonerated.  

But Grimm also suggested on the campaign trail he would serve in Congress only as long as he was fit to do so.  

On Monday night, House GOP leadership aides were mum on what conversations Speaker John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, had with the embattled two-term congressman, with sources saying there would not likely be a public statement from the House’s top Republican until Grimm made his own announcement.  

Democrats, such as Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, said before Grimm’s court appearance that Boehner should call for his resignation immediately .  

Meanwhile, political operatives are gearing up for a special election to replace Grimm, with Republicans set on keeping the swing seat and Democrats intent on winning it back — perhaps with the congressman who served just one term before being defeated by Grimm in the GOP wave of 2010.  

Related:

Ex-Congressman Considers Seeking Grimm’s Seat


Pelosi: Boehner Has to Oust Michael Grimm (Updated)


The 114th: CQ Roll Call’s Guide to the New Congress


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