| DeSimone plans to resign office |
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Representative Mark DeSimone, who was arrested on misdemeanor assault charges in June, said just days later that he planned to resign his office to focus on his family—but as of press time, nearly one month later, his resignation had not been tendered.
DeSimone was arrested after his wife, Mali, called 9-1-1 the evening of June 26. Officers found the legislator outside the home and his wife and two children inside. Responding officers noted signs of bruising on Mali’s face and that she had cuts on the inside of her mouth. Both DeSimone and his wife agreed that there had been “a disturbance.” He was taken into custody, even though his wife said she did not want to press charges. DeSimone was released from jail June 27 on his own recognizance. DeSimone, whose term expires in January 2009 and who was seeking re-election, has withdrawn from the Sept. 2 primary ballot, according to the Arizona Secretary of State’s office. However, he has not yet submitted his resignation to that office. The 48th Arizona State Legislature adjourned its regular session for 2008 on June 27. The 49th Legislature will convene in January 2009. Should DeSimone choose to resign from his District 11 seat, the elected Democratic Precinct Committeemen from Congressional District 11 will forward three recommended names to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, who will then select one of them to fill out the remainder of his term.
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