Thread: Sen. Evan Bayh to retire, blasting dysfunctional Congress

Originally Posted by fedupinwaukegan

We all knew that politically this was going to be one incredible year...


How Bayh's Retirement Could Make It Harder for Dems to Pass a Health Care Bill

By Philip Klein on 2.15.10 @ 11:26AM

One of the many implications Sen. Evan Bayh's retirement could have is to make it even more difficult for Democrats to pass comprehensive health care legislation. In the broader sense, news of a strong moderate Democrat feeling the need to step aside could make other red state Democrats even more nervous than they already are about reelection and thus uneasy about casting a tough vote. But more specifically, the most obvious Democrats to seek Bayh's seat are Indiana's Democratic congressmen: Reps. Brad Ellsworth, Baron Hill and Joe Donnelly. All of them have already voted for the original version of the House health care bill, and it's unlikely that any of them would want to cast another vote for the bill during a difficult race for the Senate. Liberals may argue that any of them would get slammed for voting for the bill regardless. That's true, but all of these Democrats also voted for the Stupak amendment on abortion, so they'd have some wiggle room to argue that they voted for a bill that prohibited federal funding for abortion, but didn't vote for a bill once that restrictive language was dropped. Ellsworth was actually a co-sponsor of Stupak, and said at the time that he could not vote for the bill if that language wasn't in it. This won't shield them from attacks, but you can definitely see them deciding that the "flip flopper" charge would be better than casting a second vote for a highly unpopular bill.

Keep in mind that the House health care bill passed by a slim 220 to 215 margin the first time around, with 39 Democrats voting against it. Since then, the one Republican who voted for it -- Joseph Cao -- has indicated that he would not support the bill a second time around given the weaker language on abortion. Florida Rep. Robert Wexler already retired prematurely. Factor in Jack Murtha's death, and Pelosi is down to 217 votes. If Hill, Ellsworth or Donnelly defect while running for Senate, she's down to 216 and the route to passage is even further in doubt.

http://spectator.org/blog/2010/02/15/ho ... -could-mak

For Democrats to claim they would support this bill or oppose it based on the abortion language, just shows their idiocy. The issue with health care has nothing to do with abortion, so to frame a socialist authoritarian issue like using the police state to force women and girls into child birth against their will around a socialist authoritarian health care bill that forces people to buy insurance designed by the government instead of the private sector is just a silly and absurd debate between Pro-Life Socialists and Pro-Choice Socialists and doesn't have a damn thing to do with a woman's inalienable right to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, something women have been doing for millions of years to control overpopulation of our species.

And yes, it's going to be one of the most incredible and exciting years in American Political History. But we have to be smart, pragmatic and diligent to get the best candidates on the ballots so the people have Clear Choices on election day, where the lines drawn are so clear, that every American will know which candidate is the one that will save their country and which one will further its demise.

Clear Choices:

1. stop illegal immigration
2. pass the FairTax
3. protect our trade
4. legalize/regulate/tax under 2 the illegal drug trade
5. drill baby drill

Of these 5, the first 3 will do in 2010 to get the ball rolling and the rest will fall into place in due course.

Originally Posted by Texas2step

Is it frighteningly possible that the voluntary exit of these experienced, senior legislators of both parties is part of the planned steady concentration of power at the top of our government and around the world by the elites? i.e., if career "policy makers" cannot "mold societies" as they wish using free elections and legislation, they simply will weaken and water down the power of our representative legislative branch of government - the Congress, giving, by default, greater power to the Administrative and Judicial branches? To accomplish this end, the fewer experienced, senior members of Congress who know how the legislative process is supposed to work and who are willing to work within and enforce the rules there at one time, the better. Hence the rash of resignations?

These people are making decision on their own for themselves. There is no big secret conspiracy behind everything that happens in the world. IMHO

JohnDoe2 wrote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Texas2step wrote:
Is it frighteningly possible that the voluntary exit of these experienced, senior legislators of both parties is part of the planned steady concentration of power at the top of our government and around the world by the elites? i.e., if career "policy makers" cannot "mold societies" as they wish using free elections and legislation, they simply will weaken and water down the power of our representative legislative branch of government - the Congress, giving, by default, greater power to the Administrative and Judicial branches? To accomplish this end, the fewer experienced, senior members of Congress who know how the legislative process is supposed to work and who are willing to work within and enforce the rules there at one time, the better. Hence the rash of resignations?

These people are making decision on their own for themselves. There is no big secret conspiracy behind everything that happens in the world."

Well, here is the place where I first read about the domestic power of the Council on Foreign Relations, the "New World Order", etc., so I was just wondering....

Originally Posted by Texas2step

JohnDoe2 wrote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Texas2step wrote:
Is it frighteningly possible that the voluntary exit of these experienced, senior legislators of both parties is part of the planned steady concentration of power at the top of our government and around the world by the elites? i.e., if career "policy makers" cannot "mold societies" as they wish using free elections and legislation, they simply will weaken and water down the power of our representative legislative branch of government - the Congress, giving, by default, greater power to the Administrative and Judicial branches? To accomplish this end, the fewer experienced, senior members of Congress who know how the legislative process is supposed to work and who are willing to work within and enforce the rules there at one time, the better. Hence the rash of resignations?

These people are making decision on their own for themselves. There is no big secret conspiracy behind everything that happens in the world."

Well, here is the place where I first read about the domestic power of the Council on Foreign Relations, the "New World Order", etc., so I was just wondering....

I'd thought of this and was wondering about it too. It seems suspicious that they are "dropping like flies" - on the other hand, I figured that they KNOW they are going to get SLAUGHTERED in Nov and better to get out on a "high note" instead of being seen for the losers they really are.

Originally Posted by SicNTiredInSoCal

Originally Posted by Texas2step

JohnDoe2 wrote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Texas2step wrote:
Is it frighteningly possible that the voluntary exit of these experienced, senior legislators of both parties is part of the planned steady concentration of power at the top of our government and around the world by the elites? i.e., if career "policy makers" cannot "mold societies" as they wish using free elections and legislation, they simply will weaken and water down the power of our representative legislative branch of government - the Congress, giving, by default, greater power to the Administrative and Judicial branches? To accomplish this end, the fewer experienced, senior members of Congress who know how the legislative process is supposed to work and who are willing to work within and enforce the rules there at one time, the better. Hence the rash of resignations?

These people are making decision on their own for themselves. There is no big secret conspiracy behind everything that happens in the world."

Well, here is the place where I first read about the domestic power of the Council on Foreign Relations, the "New World Order", etc., so I was just wondering....

I'd thought of this and was wondering about it too. It seems suspicious that they are "dropping like flies" - on the other hand, I figured that they KNOW they are going to get SLAUGHTERED in Nov and better to get out on a "high note" instead of being seen for the losers they really are.

I think it means something is going on they don't want to be a part of. Patrick Kennedy and Evan Bayh? Both young with many years of terms left? Nope, something bad is going on with the DNC and they've both had the guts to say "sorry, no way, Jose."

6 Republican Senators retiring -

Jan 10
As of today, there are 6 Republican Senators and 14 Republican Representatives retiring.
This compares to 5 Democratic Senators and 10 Representative . . .
www.topix.com/forum/city/douglasville-g ... A8IGIQ2RL9

Retiring incumbents 2010

At this point in time, 32 U.S. Representatives are retiring.

Democratic incumbents (14 incumbents)
Alabama's 7th congressional district: Artur Davis: To run for Governor of Alabama.[10]
Arkansas's 1st congressional district: Marion Berry: Retiring due to health concerns. [11]
Arkansas's 2nd congressional district: Vic Snyder: Retiring to spend more time with family.[10]
California's 33rd congressional district: Diane Watson: Retiring [6]
Florida's 17th congressional district: Kendrick Meek: To run for the U.S. Senate.[12]
Hawaii's 1st congressional district: Neil Abercrombie: To run for Governor of Hawaii.[13]
Kansas's 3rd congressional district: Dennis Moore: Retiring; "Time for a new generation of leadership."[14]
Louisiana's 3rd congressional district: Charlie Melancon: To run for the U.S. Senate.[15]
New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district: Paul Hodes: To run for the U.S. Senate.[16]
Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district: Joe Sestak: To run for the U.S. Senate.[17]
Rhode Island's 1st congressional district: Patrick J. Kennedy: Retiring to "[take] a new direction."[18]
Tennessee's 6th congressional district: Bart Gordon: Retiring; "...it's time for a new chapter"[19]
Tennessee's 8th congressional district: John S. Tanner: Retiring, reasons not known.[20]
Washington's 3rd congressional district: Brian Baird: Retiring, to pursue other options.[21]

Republican incumbents (18 incumbents)

Arkansas's 3rd congressional district: John Boozman: To run for U.S. Senate.
Arizona's 3rd congressional district: John Shadegg: Retiring to pursue other interests.[22]
California's 19th congressional district: George Radanovich: Retiring to put family obligations first.[23]
Delaware's At-large congressional district: Michael Castle: To run for U.S. Senate.[24]
Florida's 12th congressional district: Adam Putnam: To run for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.[25]
Florida's 21st congressional district: Lincoln Diaz-Balart: Retiring to do law practice.
Georgia's 9th congressional district: Nathan Deal: To run for Governor of Georgia.[26]
Indiana's 4th congressional district: Steve Buyer: Retiring due to wife's illness
Illinois's 10th congressional district: Mark Kirk: To run for U.S. Senate.[27]
Kansas's 1st congressional district: Jerry Moran: To run for the U.S. Senate.[28]
Kansas's 4th congressional district: Todd Tiahrt: To run for the U.S. Senate.[29]
Michigan's 2nd congressional district: Peter Hoekstra: To run for Governor of Michigan.[30]
Michigan's 3rd congressional district: Vern Ehlers: Retiring [7]
Missouri's 7th congressional district: Roy Blunt: To run for the U.S. Senate.[31]
Oklahoma's 5th congressional district: Mary Fallin: To run for Governor of Oklahoma.[32]
South Carolina's 1st congressional district: Henry E. Brown, Jr.: Retiring to spend more time with his family. [33]
South Carolina's 3rd congressional district: J. Gresham Barrett: To run for Governor of South Carolina.[34]
Tennessee's 3rd congressional district: Zach Wamp: To run for Governor of Tennessee.[35]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Sta ... ions,_2010

Retiring Democratic Senators (5 seats)

Christopher Dodd of Connecticut
Main article: United States Senate election in Connecticut, 2010
Five-term Democratic incumbent Christopher Dodd was reelected with 66% of the vote in 2004.[1] Facing grim prospects for reelection, Dodd announced that he is not running for reelection.[2][3] Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D) plans to run for the seat, which is expected to improve the Democrats' chances of holding the seat in November.[4]

On the Republican side, Euro Pacific Capital President and noted financial pundit Peter Schiff, an outspoken libertarian who has gained attention for correctly predicting the subprime mortgage crisis despite mockery from other industry analysts,[5] announced he is running for Senate on September 17, after raising more than a million dollars.[6]. Additionally, former Congressman Rob Simmons and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment Linda McMahon have announced their candidacies.[7]

Vincent Forras and Dr. John Mertens have filed paperwork to run as independents.[8]

Consumer advocate and perennial presidential candidate Ralph Nader is "absorbing" feedback about a possible bid as a Green Party candidate.[9]

Barack Obama won Connecticut with 60.59% of the vote in 2008.[10]

Ted Kaufman of Delaware
Main article: United States Senate special election in Delaware, 2010
Democratic Senator Joe Biden was simultaneously reelected to the U.S. Senate and elected Vice President of the United States on November 4, 2008. Although Biden was sworn in for his seventh term on January 6, 2009,[11] he tendered his resignation effective January 15 in preparation for taking office as Vice President on January 20, 2009.

On November 24, 2008, former Democratic Governor Ruth Ann Minner announced Biden would be replaced by Democrat Ted Kaufman, his former chief of staff, sometime in January 2009. He was subsequently sworn in on January 15. A special election for the remainder of the term, which expires on January 3, 2015, will be held in 2010. Kaufman announced that he will not be a candidate in the special election.[12]

Popular former Republican Governor and U.S. Representative Mike Castle, who represents the state at large in the U.S. House, announced in October, 2009 that he would run for the seat.[13] Christine O'Donnell, the Republican nominee who ran against and lost to Joe Biden in 2008, has announced that she will run again.[14]

On the Democratic side, Vice President Biden's son, Beau Biden, the current Attorney General of Delaware who returned September 25, 2009 from serving in Iraq with the Delaware National Guard, has declined to run for the Democratic nomination. Instead, Newcastle County Executive Chris Coons is likely to be the Democratic candidate.[15]

Barack Obama won Delaware with 62% of the vote in 2008.[16]

The seat will be up for election again in 2014 for a full six-year term.

Roland Burris of Illinois
Main article: United States Senate elections in Illinois, 2010
The primary elections on Feb. 2, 2010 had the following winners:

Alexi Giannoulias, the state treasurer, was the Democrat,
Representative Mark Kirk was the Republican,
Author LeAlan Jones was the Green.
The Libertarian Party has selected Michael Labno as its candidate.[17] To qualify for the ballot Labno's campaign will have to gather 25,000 valid signatures by June 21, 2010.

Barack Obama won Illinois with 62% of the vote in the presidential election of 2008.[18]

Evan Bayh of Indiana
Main article: United States Senate election in Indiana, 2010
Two-term incumbent and former two-term Governor Evan Bayh was reelected with 62% of the vote in 2004.[19]

Senator Bayh is not running for re-election in 2010.[20]

NRSCC chairman and Texas Senator John Cornyn said he does not expect the Republicans to fundraise.[21] The declared Republican candidates are former Congressman John Hostettler[22], state Senator Marlin Stutzman[23], and Don Bates, Jr., a branch manager for Wachovia Securities.[24] Tax attorney Dan Dumezich is also considering a run[21], as is Grant County Commissioner Mark Bardsley.[25].

On February 10, 2010, former Republican Senator Dan Coats announced that he will come out of retirement to challenge Bayh.[26]

Barack Obama narrowly won Indiana with 50% of the vote in 2008.[27]

Byron Dorgan of North Dakota
Main article: United States Senate election in North Dakota, 2010
Senator Byron Dorgan of North Dakota announced on January 5, 2010 that he will not seek re-election.[28][29]

No Democrat has formally announced a run, but former state Attorney General Heidi Heitkamp, who ran unsuccessfully for Governor in 2000, may be a candidate [5].

On the Republican side, North Dakota Governor John Hoeven has announced his candidacy and leads potential Democratic challengers by double digit margins.[30] Republican Navy veteran Duane Sand announced his bid before Dorgan's announcement.[29]

Retiring Republican Senators (6 seats)

George LeMieux of Florida
Main article: United States Senate election in Florida, 2010
Freshman Republican Senator Mel Martinez was elected in a very close race against Democrat Betty Castor in 2004 with just 49% of the vote.[31] Martinez is a former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the George W. Bush Administration. Martinez announced on December 2, 2008, that he would not seek a second term in the U.S. Senate,[32] and in an unanticipated move, he announced on August 7, 2009, that he would be resigning from the Senate effective upon the naming of a successor.[33] On September 10, 2009, George LeMieux was sworn in to serve the remainder of Martinez's Senate term. He has declined to run for re-election.

Incumbent Republican Governor Charlie Crist announced his candidacy and was considered to be the favorite in the race, initially holding a large double-digit lead over challenger Marco Rubio.[34][35] Former Republican Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Marco Rubio is running and positioning himself as a more conservative candidate than Crist. As of February 3rd, Rubio has overtaken Crist and now holds a 12 point advantage.[36] Former New Hampshire U.S. Senator Bob Smith is also a declared candidate.[37] U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan, who represents Florida's 13th congressional district,[38] former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Allan Bense,[39] and State House Majority Leader Adam Hasner,[40] are also potential Republican candidates. Other, lesser-known candidates for the Republican nomination include United States Marine Corps veteran Bob Coggins,[41] attorney Linda Vasquez Littlefield,[42] pastor and educational consultant Gwyn McClellan,[41] attorney Belinda Noah,[43] restaurant owner Shawn M. Teeters,[43] physician and 2008 congressional candidate Marion Thorpe,[44] and real estate broker Tom Walsh.[45]

Democratic U.S. Representative Kendrick Meek,[46] who represents Florida's 17th congressional district, North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns,[47] Marine Corps veteran George Lovenguth,[48] pastor Tyrone Brown,[41] and Key West resident "Trinidad Joe" Allen[49] have all announced their candidacies for the seat. Rep. Corrine Brown was considered a potential candidate but decided to instead run for reelection.[50] State Senator Dan Gelber had formed an exploratory committee, but ultimately decided not to run in the interest of political unity;[51] he later announced that he would run for Florida Attorney General.[52] Rep. Ron Klein also expressed interest in the race only to opt not to run.[53]

Marshall DeRosa is the Constitution Party Nominee.[54]

Alexander Snitker is the Libertarian Party Nominee.[54]

In addition to the above candidates Piotr Blass and Dave Roberts have filed as independent candidates, while Bobby Bean, Bernard "Bernie" DeCastr, and Todd Oifer will be listed as No Party Affiliation [54]

Sam Brownback of Kansas
Main article: United States Senate election in Kansas, 2010
Former 2008 Republican presidential candidate and two-term incumbent Sen. Sam Brownback has stated that he will not run for reelection in 2010 because of self-imposed term limits.[55]

On the Republican side, U.S. Representative Jerry Moran of Kansas's 1st congressional district has filed papers with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) to run for the U.S. Senate seat.[56] Another Republican U.S. Representative, Todd Tiahrt of Kansas's 4th congressional district, has also announced his candidacy for the seat, setting up what is expected to be a bruising GOP primary.[57]

Democratic retired advertising executive Charles Schollenberger plans to wage a grassroots campaign for the Democratic nomination.[58]

Former Democratic Governor Kathleen Sebelius was seen as a potential candidate with name recognition because of term limits preventing her from seeking another term as Governor.[59] Instead, Sebelius accepted the nomination by President Barack Obama to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, laying to rest the possibility that she will run for the U.S. Senate.

Republican presidential nominee John McCain won Kansas with 56.50% of the vote in 2008.

Jim Bunning of Kentucky
Main article: United States Senate election in Kentucky, 2010
Baseball Hall of Famer and two-term Republican incumbent Sen. Jim Bunning was narrowly reelected by 51% to 49% in 2004 against his Democratic opponent, then-state Senator Daniel Mongiardo, after several of Bunning's controversial actions made the race close.[60] Bunning had intended to run for reelection, but the Republican Party had long been lukewarm to his relatively weak candidacy.[61] On July 27, 2009, Bunning announced that he would retire rather than seek a third term.[62] Bunning continued to make controversial comments in 2009, such as predicting that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg would be dead in nine months.[63] Secretary of State Trey Grayson and eye surgeon Rand Paul, son of U.S. Representative and 2008 presidential candidate Ron Paul, stated they would be interested in running if Bunning decided to retire.[64] Paul formed an exploratory committee, then announced that he would seek the Senate seat,[65] and has raised over one million dollars.

Two Democrats, both of whom have won statewide elections, have announced their candidacies. Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo, a practicing surgeon, announced in January 2009 that he would run for the seat and received the endorsement of Democratic Governor Steve Beshear.[66] In April, Attorney General Jack Conway announced that he would enter the race, with the support of Kentucky's Democratic Congressmen, Ben Chandler and John Yarmuth, as well as state Auditor Crit Luallen and state House Speaker Greg Stumbo.[67][68] Former U.S. Customs Agent Darlene Fitzgerald Price has also announced her candidacy.[66]

Republican presidential nominee John McCain won Kentucky with 57% of the vote in 2008.[69]

Kit Bond of Missouri
Main article: United States Senate election in Missouri, 2010
Four-term incumbent Republican Senator Kit Bond was reelected with 56% of the vote in 2004. He has announced that he will not seek reelection.[70]

Republican U.S. Representative Roy Blunt, who represents Missouri's 7th congressional district (Southwest Missouri), has announced his candidacy.[71] Former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman, who sought but narrowly lost the Republican gubernatorial nomination in August 2008 to Kenny Hulshof, is also considering a run for the Republican nomination.[72] Former U.S. Senator Jim Talent, who was narrowly unseated in 2006 by Democrat Claire McCaskill, has announced that he will not run.[73][74]

The Progressive Party of Missouri has selected Midge Potts as their candidate. She announced in June 2009.[75]

On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (daughter of former U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan and former Governor Mel Carnahan) entered the race on February 3, 2009,[76] and is widely considered the front-runner for the Democratic nomination. In 2008, Carnahan won her second term as Secretary of State with near 1.7 million votes, the most votes ever cast for a single candidate in Missouri state history, and winning all but 4 of Missouri's 114 counties.

Republican presidential nominee John McCain narrowly defeated Barack Obama 49.43% to 49.29% in Missouri in 2008.[77]

Judd Gregg of New Hampshire
Main article: United States Senate election in New Hampshire, 2010
Three-term Republican incumbent U.S. Senator Judd Gregg was reelected in 2004 with 66% of the vote.[78] Gregg had originally announced his intention to run for a fourth term, but was nominated to the position of United States Secretary of Commerce by President Barack Obama in early February 2009. However, Gregg withdrew his nomination on February 12, 2009, citing "irresolvable conflicts" over policy related to the Commerce Department.[79] Gregg has stated he will not run again.[80]

Democratic U.S. Representative Paul Hodes is running for this seat.[81] The state's other U.S. Representative, Carol Shea-Porter, also a Democrat, announced on Monday March 16, 2009, that she would not run for the seat. Her decision averted a primary battle and cleared the way for Hodes.[82]

On the Republican side: On July 7, 2009, state Attorney General Kelly Ayotte announced that she was seriously considering running,[83] and on July 20, she filed paperwork to form an exploratory committee.[84] Businessmen Bill Binnie and Jim Bender, and 1996 gubernatorial nominee and attorney Ovide Lamontagne are challenging Ayotte in the Republican primary.[85]

The Libertarian Party of New Hampshire has nominated self-employed realtor and perennial candidate Kenneth Blevens.[citation needed]

George Voinovich of Ohio
Main article: United States Senate election in Ohio, 2010
Two-term Republican incumbent George Voinovich was reelected with 64% of the vote in 2004. Voinovich, a former Mayor of Cleveland, Lieutenant Governor and Governor of Ohio, announced that he was going to retire rather than seek reelection to a third term[86][87] in 2010.

On the Republican side, former U.S. Representative, U.S. Trade Representative and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Rob Portman announced his candidacy and appears to be the consensus choice among establishment Republicans [88] Businessman Tom Ganley is also running.[89]

On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher,[90] have announced their candidacies. U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur of Ohio's 9th congressional district is also a possible candidate.[91][92]

There are also three independent candidates who have announced that they will run: Eric Deaton,[93] Eric Gregory,[citation needed] and Adam Shaffer.[94]

Barack Obama won Ohio in 2008 by 51.4% to 46.8%.[95]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Sta ... ions,_2010

Originally Posted by JohnDoe2

Retiring incumbents 2010

At this point in time, 32 U.S. Representatives are retiring.

Democratic incumbents (14 incumbents)
Alabama's 7th congressional district: Artur Davis: To run for Governor of Alabama.[10]
Arkansas's 1st congressional district: Marion Berry: Retiring due to health concerns. [11]
Arkansas's 2nd congressional district: Vic Snyder: Retiring to spend more time with family.[10]
California's 33rd congressional district: Diane Watson: Retiring [6]
Florida's 17th congressional district: Kendrick Meek: To run for the U.S. Senate.[12]
Hawaii's 1st congressional district: Neil Abercrombie: To run for Governor of Hawaii.[13]
Kansas's 3rd congressional district: Dennis Moore: Retiring; "Time for a new generation of leadership."[14]
Louisiana's 3rd congressional district: Charlie Melancon: To run for the U.S. Senate.[15]
New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district: Paul Hodes: To run for the U.S. Senate.[16]
Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district: Joe Sestak: To run for the U.S. Senate.[17]
Rhode Island's 1st congressional district: Patrick J. Kennedy: Retiring to "[take] a new direction."[18]
Tennessee's 6th congressional district: Bart Gordon: Retiring; "...it's time for a new chapter"[19]
Tennessee's 8th congressional district: John S. Tanner: Retiring, reasons not known.[20]
Washington's 3rd congressional district: Brian Baird: Retiring, to pursue other options.[21]

Republican incumbents (18 incumbents)

Arkansas's 3rd congressional district: John Boozman: To run for U.S. Senate.
Arizona's 3rd congressional district: John Shadegg: Retiring to pursue other interests.[22]
California's 19th congressional district: George Radanovich: Retiring to put family obligations first.[23]
Delaware's At-large congressional district: Michael Castle: To run for U.S. Senate.[24]
Florida's 12th congressional district: Adam Putnam: To run for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.[25]
Florida's 21st congressional district: Lincoln Diaz-Balart: Retiring to do law practice.
Georgia's 9th congressional district: Nathan Deal: To run for Governor of Georgia.[26]
Indiana's 4th congressional district: Steve Buyer: Retiring due to wife's illness
Illinois's 10th congressional district: Mark Kirk: To run for U.S. Senate.[27]
Kansas's 1st congressional district: Jerry Moran: To run for the U.S. Senate.[28]
Kansas's 4th congressional district: Todd Tiahrt: To run for the U.S. Senate.[29]
Michigan's 2nd congressional district: Peter Hoekstra: To run for Governor of Michigan.[30]
Michigan's 3rd congressional district: Vern Ehlers: Retiring [7]
Missouri's 7th congressional district: Roy Blunt: To run for the U.S. Senate.[31]
Oklahoma's 5th congressional district: Mary Fallin: To run for Governor of Oklahoma.[32]
South Carolina's 1st congressional district: Henry E. Brown, Jr.: Retiring to spend more time with his family. [33]
South Carolina's 3rd congressional district: J. Gresham Barrett: To run for Governor of South Carolina.[34]
Tennessee's 3rd congressional district: Zach Wamp: To run for Governor of Tennessee.[35]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Sta ... ions,_2010

6 of 14 Democrats retiring to run for another office.

12 of 18 Republicans retiring to run for another office.

I think something's up in the DNC.

What's going on in the Republican party that so many people are retiring?
More Republicans are retiring than Democrates.