Colleagues Speak On Giffords' Resignation

(AP) - Statements on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' announcement Sunday that she plans to resign from Congress this week to focus on her recovery:

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"Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has been a noble public servant to the State of Arizona, and a model of what can be accomplished with persistence and determination. Her remarkable recovery over the last year is an inspiration to us all.

"As with all Americans, I will continue to hold Gabby in my thoughts and prayers as she continues on this path toward recovery.

"Upon the Congresswoman's office being officially declared vacant, I will call a special Primary and General Election in order to fill the 8th Congressional District vacancy, in accordance with Arizona law. The winner will complete the remainder of Congresswoman Giffords' term, which expires at the end of 2012." __ Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer

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"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." __ Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz.

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"Gabby is a class act whose accomplishments and dedication to bettering our state and nation will continue in the years to come. She has been and will continue to be an effective advocate for the issues and causes that she cares deeply about.

"I want to be sure to pass along thanks to Gabby's amazing staff. They have done a remarkable job in continuing to faithfully and respectfully serve the people of Arizona's 8th District over the last year." __ Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz.

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"Gabby Giffords' tenacity and generous spirit have always made her the example of what is best in Arizona. As she said today, nothing can change what happened last January. But in her time in public life, she has changed Arizona and America for the better.

"As she continues her work on her recovery, I have no doubt she will also continue to work for and inspire all of us in so many ways in the years to come." __ Arizona Democratic Party Chairman Andrei Cherny

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"Congresswoman Giffords deserves our support and thanks for her upstanding service in Congress.

"Her tenure will be marked by her strong support for border security, solar sustainability programs, and always acting in a bipartisan manner. Her service makes all Arizonans proud."__ Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton House Democrats release statement on Giffords' resignation

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"House Democrats thank Congresswoman Giffords for her service and her willingness to put her life on the line to make Arizona a better place for all families through her work on jobs, veterans and the economy.

"She humbly gave Arizona a voice in Washington and selflessly dedicated her life to her constituents. She has always been a true friend and always will be. We can't thank her enough and look forward to her swift recovery and working with her in the future." __ State Rep. Steve Farley of Tucson, assistant House Democratic leader

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From Twitter:

"We salute Rep. Giffords for her service, & for the courage & perseverance she has shown in the face of tragedy. She will be missed." __ House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio

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"The entire nation has felt like one of Gabrielle Giffords' constituents. She will be deeply missed by her friends and colleagues in Congress." __ Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y.

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"Best Wishes to (at)Rep_Giffords — she continues to inspire and unite Americans everywhere with her strength and resolve." __ House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va.