California Congressman Abruptly Resigns
Democrat Dennis Cardoza to step down Wednesday, cites family concerns.
Citing sensitive family needs, Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, has tendered his immediate resignation from the House of Representatives. The surprisingly timed departure takes effect at midnight Wednesday.
A veteran San Joaquin Valley politician first elected to the House in 2002, the 53-year-old Cardoza had previously announced he would not run for reelection. While citing the toxic partisan gridlock on Capitol Hill, he primarily attributed his speeded-up timing to growing burdens on the home front.