New York GOP Rep. Michael Grimm, convicted of tax evasion last week, will resign effective January 5 according to a statement released by his office. Politico: “After much thought and prayer, I have made the very difficult decision to step down from Congress effective January 5th, 2015,” he said in a statement. “The decision is made with a heavy heart, as I have enjoyed a very special relationship and closeness with my constituents, whom I care about deeply.” He said that he cannot “continue to be 100% effective in the next Congress,” and added it is “time for me to start the next chapter of my life.” Grimm talked to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) on Monday. The move sets up a battle for Grimm’s Staten Island- and Brooklyn-based seat in early 2015. The New York Daily News first reported Boehner’s conversation with Grimm. Boehner aides would not comment on their discussion, calling it a private talk...(Read Full Post)