Why is Rep. Barney Frank retiring?

Rep. Barney Frank (D) of Massachusetts, who has served for 16 terms, will not seek reelection. Here are three reasons he might have made that decision.

By Peter Grier, Staff writer / November 28, 2011

Rep. Barney Frank isn’t going to run for reelection. The Massachusetts Democrat with the acidic wit is calling it quits after 16 terms of sparring with Republicans, reporters, various administration officials, witnesses at hearings who displeased him, and even constituents who disagreed with him in public.

“Barney Frank will not seek reelection. Congress just got a little bit dumber, and a whole lot duller,â€