Federal authorities have opened a preliminary investigation into a land deal involving Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Arizona), according to news reports.

The probe centers on a complaint that Renzi pressured landowners to buy a 480-acre parcel owned by his former business partner. James Sandlin, the former partner, ended up making $3 million in the deal.

Authorities want to know whether Sandlin's political contributions were behind Renzi's involvement. The $3 million deal came just days after Renzi introduced legislation that included Sandlin's property.

Renzi, who hired a lawyer on Tuesday, is running for re-election. His Democratic opponent is Ellen Simon.

The 1st Congressional district is 22.6 percent Native American. It includes parts of the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, Zuni and other reservations.

Get the Story:
Reports: Feds scrutinizing Renzi over potential land swap (The Arizona Republic 10/25)
Lawmaker's Influence in Land Deals Probed (The Washington Post 10/25)
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Congressman From Arizona Is the Focus of an Inquiry (The New York Times 10/25)
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Relevant Links:
Rep. Rick Renzi - http://www.house.gov/renzi
Rick Renzi, campaign site - http://www.rickrenzi.com
Ellen Simon for Congress - http://www.ellensimonforcongress.com

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Renzi wins endorsement of Navajo Nation Council (10/19)
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