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December 14, 2009
Fourth House Dem in past month announces retirement
Posted: December 14th, 2009 11:56 AM ET
From CNN's Deirdre Walsh and Paul Steinhauser
Washington (CNN) – Rep. Bart Gordon of Tennessee announced Monday that he will not run for re-election next year, the fourth House Democrat in the past four weeks to retire rather than than defend their seat in next year's midterm elections.
The 13-term Democrat has held the seat in Tennessee's 6th congressional district since 1985, winning nearly three-quarters of the vote in his re-election bid last year.
But the district, located in the north-central portion of the state, went for John McCain in last year's presidential election by 25 points. George W. Bush won the district by 20 points in 2004.
"I feel honored that the people of Middle Tennessee have allowed me to serve them for the past 25 years," Gordon, who chairs the House Science and Technology Committee, said in a statement released Monday. "Every decision I have made in Congress has been with their best interests in mind. I hope the people here at home feel that I have served them as well as their good advice and views have served me.
"When I was elected, I was the youngest member of the Tennessee congressional delegation; now, I'm one of the oldest. In fact, I have members of my staff who weren't even born when I took office. That tells me it's time for a new chapter," added Gordon.
Gordon says his family played a part in his decision: "Turning 60 has led me to re-evaluate what's next. I have an 8-year-old daughter and a wonderful wife who has a very demanding job. I am the only child of my 83-year-old mother, Margaret. They have made sacrifices to allow me to do what I love by serving in Congress, and now it's my turn," said Gordon.
One Democratic leadership aide tells CNN Gordon's announcement, first reported by the Washington Post, "was not a surprise, and we already have political people on the ground in the process of recruitment."
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairman Chris Van Hollen also sounded an optimistic note. “We are confident that a Democrat who shares Chairman Gordon’s commitment to putting progress before partisanship on behalf of Middle Tennessee will succeed him as the next Representative of Tennessee’s 6th District," he said in a statement.
Gordon's move follows retirement announcements by fellow Democrats Brian Baird of Washington State, John Tanner of Tennessee and Dennis Moore of Kansas. Rep. Robert Wexler, who represents Florida's heavily-Democratic 19th congressional district, has also announced he's retiring next year. Six other House Democrats are running for higher office in 2010. No House Republicans have announced retirement, but as of now 12 are running for statewide offices next year rather than for re-election.
"It's official: Democrats now have a retirement problem. After being forced to toe the line for Nancy Pelosi's reckless agenda too many times, Blue Dog Democrats would rather roll over and retire than face the political headwind that is barreling toward them,: says National Republican Congressional Committee communications director Ken Spain. "This is evidence of the fact that the Obama-Pelosi agenda of government takeovers, permanent bailouts, and fewer jobs is taking a political and mental toll even on incumbent Democrats who were once-perceived to be firmly entrenched."
A Democratic leadership aide downplayed the development. "We've always said that there would be retirements. It happens every cycle."
Though the political landscape looks good for House Republicans next year, Democrats have not seen the same wave of retirements that occured before Republicans famously took back the House in 1994, when 28 Democrats chose not to seek re-election.
Democrats currently control the chamber by a margin of 258-177.
–Follow Paul Steinhauser on Twitter: @psteinhausercnn
Filed under: Bart Gordon • Democrats • House • Popular Posts
57 Comments | Permalink
phoenix86 December 14th, 2009 3:48 pm ET
I wonder if retiring ensure him that he gets a pension, whereas a defeat means that he does not. He surely sees the writing on the wall, that the democrats are not only ignoring the voters, they are increasing hostile to them.
RJ December 14th, 2009 3:35 pm ET
In eight years the Republican party has brought this Great nation to it's knees, because of GREED ! Yet, the Red Necks like Randolph Sharter and buckwheat above continues to cheer the destruction on ! As far as the represent the Ghetto comment, I thought we were all Americans and if you knew how to read, you would know soon the majority of America will be multi-ethic !
seebofubar December 14th, 2009 3:28 pm ET
Making room for one more Republican in 2010. That's good...get the children out and make room for men.
Hammerer December 14th, 2009 3:27 pm ET
The Democratic party is to the point that many members can no longer stomach the stench.
Jerry Coltrane December 14th, 2009 3:24 pm ET
Right on! Democraps, retire or be thrown out in 2010.
Sue December 14th, 2009 3:17 pm ET
They are baling out left and right.
J.R. December 14th, 2009 3:15 pm ET
I don't know why the Democrats can unite and pass whatever they want. The Republicans had no qualms whatsover doing that when they had control for six years during Bush's presidency. If they can remember this, and pass everything they can, they won't have to worry about retiring members because the people will continue to elect democrats in 2010 since they accomplishing everything they said they would be!
Jamie December 14th, 2009 3:14 pm ET
This is actually an opportunity for Democrats, not the doomsday media 24 hour news cycle schizophrenia its trying to make it into or the 'Republican Resurrection' Steele and talking heads try to 'mistake' Americans and CNN into perceiving. A political party always needs to renew its base and Democrats have the advantage of youth, women, and minorities. Republicans will never fully these groups into the 'tent', nor do these groups want to go as there, as polls still show – and don't buy that Governor's races that were two very local issues based elections will predict 2010 or 2012.
unemployed by Obama December 14th, 2009 3:12 pm ET
bye bye, more room for real trusted Americans.
Joe M December 14th, 2009 3:02 pm ET
The cockroaches are fleeing out from under the Camel dung pile Obama, has created...It will be grest to see them all gone and the BOY KING from Kenya with them.
Sniffit December 14th, 2009 2:58 pm ET
"Republicans who think that Dems are jumping ship – you do realize that more Republicans have announced retirement than Democrats this year, don't you? It's been 11 to 9 so far. Kinda throws a wrench in your whole theory, doesn't it?"
Lori you owe me your farm
The Dems are getting out...... December 14th, 2009 2:53 pm ET
before we boot them out in November............
No Obama socialism in THIS country.............
Sarah Palin/Liz Cheney 2012'
Kevin in Ohio December 14th, 2009 2:52 pm ET
Thank God this district will return to the right in November. Every single democrat we can get rid of is important.. Its a matter of life and death for this country.
victim of democrat hypocrisy December 14th, 2009 2:37 pm ET
Or is this just a move so he can run for Senator or Governor?
Dwayne December 14th, 2009 2:37 pm ET
Senator Lieberman really fooled people in Connecticut. Now let's recall him.
1GregM December 14th, 2009 2:31 pm ET
I see where Biden is stumping for Dodd because he is encountering some stiff com[petition. Personally, I thnk we should give Dodd some time to turn things around – I'm thinking 25 to life is fair enough.
Michael M, Phoenix AZ December 14th, 2009 2:28 pm ET
If not term limits for all in the House and Senate, then set age limits much the same as done by many many employers today in regards to hiring those over the age of 50 or 55!
Dar December 14th, 2009 2:27 pm ET
It makes it look good on them selfs when they retire and not because they lost in 2010/2012
I dont care how they go, just keep going please.
randy1234@hotmail.com December 14th, 2009 2:11 pm ET
4 down, 531 to go.
Kate in SW Fla December 14th, 2009 2:05 pm ET
I only wish a lot of other "long tiomers" would retire also, from both parties. With that being said, as a livelong Democrat, I wish it was Nancy pelosi who was retiring. She is a left wing idealogue who is being every bit as destructive to the country as the Republicans were in the previous 10 years. I think only moderates should be elected. Period.
aneanderthal December 14th, 2009 2:03 pm ET
They know 2010 is going to be bad for democrats thanks to Hussein Obama and Botox Pelosi and they are jumping ship. We need a few more to admit their failures.
Claudia, Houston, Tx December 14th, 2009 2:00 pm ET
I think a lot of Democrat or Republican politicians recognize that running for any government office know the public will find things out about you that have never been exposed in past history. That's more than enough to make one abandoned ship.
Enough December 14th, 2009 1:59 pm ET
This is their way of saving face, instead of getting booted out like they know they would. Pelosi...........are you paying attention, leave now or be voted out in humiliation.
terry,va December 14th, 2009 1:57 pm ET
Don't quit chump. We want to kick your butt out.
Tommy Young December 14th, 2009 1:53 pm ET
That's a conservative district. The dems will have a hard time holding it. They'll probably keep John Tanner's seat though.
Hey Aunt Bea, if you knew anything about this district, you'd know that there is no "big money" in it.
Sniffit December 14th, 2009 1:50 pm ET
"Is the new health care pact doomed?"
Yep. It's been castrated by the spineless Dems who capitulated with the whining, fabricating, lying, insurance-industry pandering GOPers while Baucus led the retreat. It's not what's doomed...it's who's doomed:
45,000 / 365 = 123 people per day.
But they can wait, right GOPers? Who's counting anyway?
Rick from Murfreesboro, TN December 14th, 2009 1:48 pm ET
We already have term limits, they are called elections. If you are too lazy to campaign againts an incumbent, or vote against one if you don't like what they do, then shut up and get out of the way.
Bev December 14th, 2009 1:37 pm ET
The smart Democrats are those that are jumping ship now--rather than face the embarrassment of being clobbered in the 2010 elections!!
How can any Democratic politician defend the spending, unemployment rate, depressed economy-and other Obama/Democratic failed policies-and policies that go against what the MAJORITY in the country wants/does not want.
This is especially true if they are in conservative districts-–where Bush or McCain won.
It is better for them to jump ship now--and save themselves the stress and embarassment.
SNAPPA December 14th, 2009 1:35 pm ET
Yep... The dem ship is sinking and you know what the rats are doing now...
HAVE A NICE DAY RANDOLPH!!!!!!!!
Hugo December 14th, 2009 1:32 pm ET
Gosh, is it me or is Dick Morris a sooth sayer? Didn't Morris predict nearly exactly this course of political mishaps and debauchery that we are living? I think 2010 is going to be a rat killing of epic proportion for both Republican and Democrats alike. We are living in history making times and you may see a transformation of the GOP Conservative thought to something a little less religious based yet still strong with the goodness of what makes us a FREE NATION!
Steve December 14th, 2009 1:31 pm ET
Why is anyone even allowed to serve that long?
Greg, MN December 14th, 2009 1:31 pm ET
This might be the DNC strategy in 2010. Fall on the sword so we can run a new liberal whack job under the campaign of "Change"
All the news that's fit to omit December 14th, 2009 1:29 pm ET
Rats from s sinking ship, the clueless and rudderless Captain is Obama and his first mates are Reid, Pelosi and Dodd.
One by one the gutless out of touch frauds will walk the plank.
2010 and 2012 – HISTORY will be made.
Cleaning the House December 14th, 2009 1:27 pm ET
Sweet. Maybe we can start getting honest politicians in office.
Sniffit December 14th, 2009 1:26 pm ET
"It's been 11 to 9 so far. Kinda throws a wrench in your whole theory, doesn't it?"
Don't be silly. Facts and evidence NEVER stopped a GOPer/neoclown from parroting whatever their mama bird, little Rushy Limbaugh, regurgitated into their mouths this morning. They all seem to believe that, no matter what the feedback is from reality, repeating what they want to be true (like trickle-down economics, etc.), forces reality to make it so.
OldUncleTom December 14th, 2009 1:11 pm ET
These statements deflect political realities in most cases. Retirement is preferable to losing, and after 20+ years, maybe its time to cash in the markers they have collected along the way.
"Serving the constituency" indeed!!
SocialismBad December 14th, 2009 1:10 pm ET
Every new day brings more good news! The Democrats can read the writing on the wall. They saw the American people in action last summer at town halls and can't take an election cycle after they are forced to vote for the healthcare debacle.
Will there be any Democratic bums to throw out by the time election time comes? Like all yellow bellies, they'd rather turn and run away with all their government benefits than stand before the electorate and defend this healthcare train wreck.
The rest of you not considering "retiring" might want to put more thought into it!
Joe Berson December 14th, 2009 1:05 pm ET
About a year ago with B. Obams's victory it appear the GOP was "dead in the water" for 2010 and 2012". Now it appear the Phoenix has arisen and things appear more hopeful for the "NO" party.
Two suggestions for immediately strengthening the "good guy party' is to replace Reid as majority leader in the Senate and Pelosi as speaker of the House.
Obama Victim December 14th, 2009 1:04 pm ET
can anyone say "Titanic'??
T'SAH from Virginia December 14th, 2009 1:04 pm ET
So now President Obama is being BLAMED for cabinet members retiring?????
Were we keeping track of all of the RETIREMENTS when BUSHwack was in office??? Was he being BLAMED for all of the RETIREMENTS that took place while he was president???
Actually, the Party of No RETIRES or QUITS for other reasons – like infidelity – can't handle the job – stealing – starting WARS they cannot finish, etc.
So I guess if a cockroach is seen leaving the White House with a suitcase, the Obama's would be blamed for bringing them there – AND, would be blamed for them moving out!!! The HATERS would state the CABINETS were too clean which forced the ROACHES to MOVE OUT because there wasn’t enough FOOD................PLEASE – GIVE ME A BREAK!!
buckwheat December 14th, 2009 12:57 pm ET
Have you ever thought that a goodly portion of our "citizens" already have health care cradle to the grave.Check the contents of our prisons and you will find why health care is so costly.
Blaming the iceberg December 14th, 2009 12:56 pm ET
Rats leaving a sinking ship...
Billy J..Texas.. December 14th, 2009 12:54 pm ET
Civil service as a politician sucks.... period. Only someone with no honor and a huge ego would be able to stay. Well...... I guess that isn't true but it most take a real toll on the honest and well meaning pol.
Bob in Pa December 14th, 2009 12:53 pm ET
We need about 400 retirements from Congress and 80 from the Senate. We want and NEED TERM LIMITS !
Randy in PA December 14th, 2009 12:50 pm ET
I don't blame Gordon. Who in their right mind would want to work in Washington politics.
1) you can't really get anything positive and good done
2) you are constantly in a sniping environment
3) you are up against greed and corruption
4) you have to kiss everyones ass
5) even if you start out wanting to do good for this country you end up becoming a hack like the rest of them
buckwheat December 14th, 2009 12:50 pm ET
If you have never had the misfortune to visit a third world country save your money.By 2012 you will be in one.
buckwheat December 14th, 2009 12:47 pm ET
Why should they stay? They have accumulated enough time for the taxpayers to keep them up forever ,first class.The perks don't stop when they leave office they just keep perking on. Getting relected after supporting this president will be almost impossible when the ones who voted for him find what it is going to cost. Redistribution of wealth to the ones who haven't worked since the sixties is what it is all about.Thank Lyndon Johnson for the sorry state of our country. He made it possible to survive without moving no further than the mail box. There is no incentive to work.
Jonathan December 14th, 2009 12:46 pm ET
Republicans who think that Dems are jumping ship – you do realize that more Republicans have announced retirement than Democrats this year, don't you? It's been 11 to 9 so far. Kinda throws a wrench in your whole theory, doesn't it?
Pat F December 14th, 2009 12:40 pm ET
The rats are abandoning ship – better than losing an expensive election.
In 2010, we'll get the House back, at least – maybe the Senate too, if the deficit-exploding Democrats keep it up.
Rickster December 14th, 2009 12:30 pm ET
lol...Good old Barry Obama is the best thing that ever happened to the republican party. He's sinking right to the bottom and taking everybody who still supports him right along with.
Lori in St Pete December 14th, 2009 12:30 pm ET
Hmmm, I wonder how many multi-term republicans will take a page from the dems and walk the talk? If I was a betting woman I'd put up the farm with 10,000 – 1 odds that the number will be ZERO, and I'd be rich.
m jeff December 14th, 2009 12:24 pm ET
Blue Dogs are Republicans in disguise.
Silence Dogoode December 14th, 2009 12:17 pm ET
13 terms in 12 too many. We need term limits. We need them now.
its a shame December 14th, 2009 12:09 pm ET
had a chance to make a difference and the old guard is giving out
Aunt Bea and Opie December 14th, 2009 12:07 pm ET
Looks like the rightwing hillbillies and big money have overtaken his district.With people like Corker in that State,it looks as though they are returning to the stoneage,its a shame.
Tim December 14th, 2009 12:06 pm ET
Like humans, this "popular" president has evolved into no having a tail, or coat tail.
Jane/Seattle December 14th, 2009 12:02 pm ET
Fixing this governmental/corporate mess is hard work! Let only the strong work to correct these excesses! Calling for election process/financial reforms is the only way to get all the corporate hacks out and allow good folks to compete for the chance to really 'serve" this nation/world! Maybe he got a lobbying offer he can't refuse later! Or maybe the hopelessness of this is dawning on even these folks! Peace
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