GOP Exodus

We've been covering the Republican retirements in the House as they trickle out one-by-one -- and for good reason: it makes their work in November so much more difficult.

Today the NY Times takes a look "the roster of retirees at 28, one of the highest numbers recorded for the party in the House." I guess pursuing an agenda that consists of nothing but obstruction isn't a lot of fun for them.

The latest retirement, from Rep. Tom Davis, was because he didn't enjoy being in the minority party. And that's likely what's causing others to retire, too, when they aren't leaving for -- well -- more lucrative options.

I'll leave you with the analysis from the Times:

With only five Democratic seats opening so far, party strategists and independent analysts say the disparity in open seats — typically the most competitive House fights, as voters oust relatively few incumbents — makes it highly unlikely that Republicans could seize the seats necessary to regain the House. The current House has 199 Republicans and 232 Democrats, with four vacancies to be filled by special elections.

“The open-seat situation is so lopsided as to deny Republicans any chance of taking back the House in 2008,” said David Wasserman, who analyzes House races for The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan publication.

And let's not forget that we've also got the resources in all 50 states.

Comments (4) «

In other words they are going to work on K-street for the Big Corporate and try to corrupt the new Democratic legislators.
Beware of Republicans bearing gifts.

1

Butte on January 31, 2008 at 06:23 PM

Republicans, good-bye and good riddence.

2

Darien on February 1, 2008 at 07:31 AM

Hopefully we can get more Democrats in both chambers so the Republicans can't block investigations into Cheney and Halliburtons Crooked not bid contracts.

3

chambax2 on February 2, 2008 at 01:19 AM

I hope their Republican constituents are taking notice of this. Quit because they can't be the bullying in-your-face controlling party anymore, eh? Nice. Typical bully behavior: If they can't be controlling the rules of the game, or beating up on the weaker "kids," they quit. Lucky for them their party is networked throughout the country's rich and powerful....none will be hurting for a job after they leave.

4

FloridaDemToo on February 4, 2008 at 12:32 PM

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