As of right now, there are 32 incumbent Representatives (14 Democrats, 18 Republicans) and 11 Senators (5 Democrats, 6 Republicans) who have decided to take their ball and go home. They don't want to play anymore. I will examine a few of these individuals in detail, then give my general deductions of what this means and why it is happening.
Let's start with the House of Representatives. The chamber of Congress that is usually more partisan, where office-holders are (supposed to be) more available to their constituents, and where legislation actually passes with relative speed because it lacks the progress killer known as the filibuster. Since I am a liberal, you may expect me to be harder on those with the "R" behind their name. I will be equally hard on all who deserve this.
-19 of these individuals are not running for reelection in order to run for other political positions (Governor, Senate, and one agricultural board), or due to health reasons. All of you are off the hook. Best wishes in your upcoming elections or in recovering from illness, etc.
-That leaves us with 13 Representatives who have not cited these reasons. These unlucky 13 have cited wanting to pursue other options, spend more time with family, and that they want let a new generation of leadership take over. Some might just be retiring because they feel that they have run their course or are too old to do the job anymore, and for that, we should not admonish them. However, some of you are just walking away from the job you told your voters you were capable of doing, and that is unacceptable!
Now, onto the Senate, where I have much more to say. This "higher" body of Congress has been nothing short of a death trap for bills, as of late, and I hope this is a trend that goes away once these individuals are replaced by fresh faces. Now, on to some specific friends:
-Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.)-A long time member of the Senate and former presidential candidate, most would be shocked to see him not seeking reelection. However, throw in the fact that he has hailed himself as a bank regulator, follow that with a few controversies concerning sweet personal deals from banks for him, then it not so shocking anymore. I have said that all who let the banks get away with what they do to the average American should be ashamed of themselves. Apparently Senator Dodd realizes that Americans will no longer support those with ties to the banks. Farewell, Senator Dodd. I will try to fondly remember the days when I thought you were one of the good ones.
-Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL)-For the replacement for President Obama in the Senate, who possibly paid our old friend "Blago" off for the seat, many welcome your leaving office. Hopefully, a young up-and-comer like Alexi Giannoulias will bring back the days of Chicago politics that we know and love...you know, where you don't get caught because people actually respect what you are doing for them. I know this is not really your fault, Roland, but you have been deemed a crook by association. Best wishes in the future.
-Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN)-The most recent retiree, the blue-dog two-term Senator who was in the final three to be Obama's veep candidate, stated that Congress was no longer doing the job it was elected to do. Ironic, since he is one of the more conservative Dems around, and has been afraid to pursue any real change in recent months. I welcome his decision, and hope that a candidate who wants real progress comes along in his place.
-Sen. Kit Bond (R-MO)-Being an elected official from my home state, I know plenty about you. This is the most welcome of the retiring circus that is the Senate, because Kit has not really done much to improve the lives of Missourians or Americans. He will soon be replaced by Robin Carnahan, who in my opinion, is the epitome of what a public servant should be. He also is giving Roy Blunt the opportunity to reiterate the fact that his son has completely tarnished his families political name, which in itself is worth the price of admission. Good riddance, Senator Bond!
-Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH)-Bottom of the barrel, that's what you are, Senator Gregg. You always claim to have the answers on economic issues, but perhaps when you retire from the Senate you can find a way to pull your head out of the banks' billion dollar asses. You have been nothing short of a lackey to Wall Street, and I am sure you have reaped the benefits. If only you had lost that election to Doris "Granny D" Haddock. She will be turning a century old this year, and I am still certain that she would have at least brought some dignity back to the seat you hold. You, sir, are a bully when it comes to those who lack your power, but a coward when it comes to standing up for what is right. Some may be sad to see you go and some may feel sorry for your situation, but I will remind you that no one mourns the wicked.
Whatever the reason for these individuals retiring, cutting and running, or whatever the case, all I know is that the stakes are high in this year's midterm elections. The Republicans have the ability to pick up a lot of seats, possibly taking the majority in the House, and further depleting Democratic control of the Senate. I personally hope that the Republicans do not have a good showing. I hope the "Tea Party" spoils a few of their races. Whatever happens, though, I hope it is what is best for the nation. I will be keeping a close eye on these races as we get closer to November. Primary updates are coming. Remember, until next time, conservatism only takes us backwards.
