[Eowyn-of-Rohan]

I hardly think 59 is old, especially in the world of politics. I still think something else, besides the "wants more time with the grandchildren" rap is iinfluencing his decision.

[ABG(anybody but Gore)]

He's been wanting to retire for years now. He was going to retire in '98 before Clinton and the RATS convinced him he was needed. Then Clinton stabbed him in the back on Medicare and Social Security reform.

Throw in the fact that the few remaining "moderate" RATS are retiring from the Senate, and almost no chance of retaking the majority next year, and he decided he'd had enough. I was not the least bit surprised by his decision.