The 'rats have a big problem, a number of Senators who want to retire have republican governors.
I don't think he's thinking about retiring now but rather not running for re-election. The GOP has to earn the seat through an election, not through a governor's appointment.
Hope he does't run...this would be a nice GOP seat to pick up.
I count strong Republican chances to take over the seats held by Hollings (D-SC), Miller (D-GA), Edwards (D-NC), Reid (D-NV), and now Graham (D-FL). The Murkowski (R-Alaska) looks shakey. The Fitzgerald (R-IL) is up for grabs.
Murray bin Ladin (D-WA) can be taken down if a good candiate can be found (she has high, high negatives). Schumer (D-NY) is vulnerable if Guiliani runs against him. And I think Daschle (D-SD) is also vulnerable if a well-funded and nationally supported Republican runs against him.