One word was on the minds of democrats watching the news on Tuesday, and that word was retirement. Three democrats announced that they would not be seeing reelection in 2010.
Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) who was first elected to the Senate in 1992 from North Dakota announced on Tuesday (and surprised many) that he will not seek re-election to the Senate in 2010. Dorgan said, "After a lot of thought I have made the very difficult decision that I will not be seeking reelection in 2010, " Dorgan wrote in a memo to staff distributed this afternoon." President Obama released the following statement shortly afterwards, “Senator Dorgan should be very proud of his more than 30 years of devoted service in the United States Congress and to the people of North Dakota. From fighting for our energy future to standing with North Dakota’s families through difficult economic times, Senator Dorgan has been a trusted leader for the people of his state. He has also been a champion for our family farmers and a powerful voice for Indian Country – particularly through his recent work to improve Indian health care services. Michelle and I extend our gratitude for his service to our nation and our very best wishes for the future for him and his family.”
Almost immediate following Senator Dorgan's announcement was yet another announcement; this time from Connecticut. On Wednesday after 28 years Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) on Wednesday will announce that he won't seek re-election this fall. Senator Dodd is a five-term veteran as well as the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.
Finally, Governor Bill Ritter (D-CO) is expected to announce on Wednesday that he will not seek reelection next year.
