Retirement watch
The Politico reports on a number of high-profile Republican retirements announced in the past week:
The somewhat surprising announcement Thursday by Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio) not to seek reelection and the expected retirement announcement of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) Friday give Democrats two new opportunities to pick up GOP-held seats.
Rep. Chip Pickering (R-Miss.), who represents a safely Republican seat, also announced his retirement Thursday. And though his decision will not likely alter the political map, it is a little vote of confidence for the GOP’s chances to regain the majority.
Why all the announcements now?
House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) and NRCC Chairman Tom Cole of Oklahoma have made it clear to their members that August would be the best time to announce their intent if they plan to move on.
Randy Kuhl is on record saying he is contemplating retirement from Congress. And his anemic fund-raising efforts so far — only 68K in Q2 — tell the same story.
We should have some indication of whether he’s sticking around or not fairly soon. I think many observers would be somewhat surprised — but certainly not shocked — if he were to retire now.
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