Another Democrats Announces Retirement - many Blue Dogs Tired

The Washington Post - House Democrats got a jolt Monday when a fourth lawmaker in a matter of weeks announced his retirement, leaving party officials and strategists fearful that they represent the leading edge of a wave of departures that could leave the Democrats vulnerable to significant losses in the 2010 midterm elections.

The most recent retirement came when Rep. Bart Gordon (Tenn.) [Blue Dog] decided not to seek a 14th term. . . . insiders acknowledged that he was swayed by the prospect of a highly competitive contest next November.

Gordon joins Reps. Dennis Moore (Kan.) [Blue Dog], John Tanner (Tenn.) [Blue Dog] and Brian Baird (Wash.) as Democratic members in swing districts who have announced their retirements in the past two weeks. . . . Privately, Democratic strategists were more pessimistic about the potential implications of Gordon's announcement. "Until this point, this was manageable and reasonable," said one strategist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to offer a candid assessment. "This is serious." The national political environment has shifted significantly since President Obama was elected 13 months ago. Republican are now unified in opposition to the administration's policies . . .

Among the names mentioned as potential retirements if the political environment does not improve are Rep. John M. Spratt Jr. (S.C.), Vic Snyder and Marion Berry (Ark.) [Blue Dog], and Rep. Chet Edwards (Tex.).

"Democrats are beginning to see the writing on the wall, and instead of choosing to fight in a difficult political environment, they are taking a pass and opting for retirement," said Pete Sessions (Tex.), chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. . . . [Full Article]

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