Posted on 01/08/2004 2:00:09 PM PST by KQQL
WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Jim Turner, the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, will not seek re-election after his district was significantly altered under Texas' new Republican-drawn congressional map.
"I have no realistic opportunity to seek re-election to Congress," he said in a news release this week. Turner, who said in the release he would finish out his term, wouldn't comment further Thursday.
His 19-county, rural East Texas district was split among six predominantly Republican and more urban-suburban districts. His hometown of Crockett is now in the district represented by Rep. Joe Barton, R-Ennis.
The redistricting map was approved by the Legislature in October after a lengthy partisan battle. It was challenged in court by Democrats and minority groups, but a three-judge federal panel approved the map Tuesday.
Turner, 57, quietly announced his decision Tuesday night.
He was first elected in 1996 and re-elected to a fourth term in 2002 with 61 percent of the vote. His press secretary, Andrew Blotky, said Thursday that Turner is considering a run for governor or U.S. Senate in 2006.
Last week, Rep. Ralph Hall of Rockwall switched from the Democratic to the Republican party, giving the Texas congressional delegation a 16-16 split. Hall said his decision came before the court ruling, but changes to his district also affected his re-election chances.
Republicans estimate the new boundaries could give the GOP as many as 22 seats in the delegation. Republicans already hold a 229-204 advantage in the U.S. House.
On the Homeland Security Committee, Turner has worked to establish oversight over the Homeland Security Department. He introduced a bill to improve the nation's terrorism preparedness.
Turner also has been trying to refine the Homeland Security coded-color terror alert system, possibly so alerts would be targeted to threatened regions or industries. Turner has said that refining the system would help keep people from tuning out alerts and could save local and state governments money spent for alert responses.
Turner is co-chairman of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democrats. In that role, he urged President Bush in 2001 to use half of the national surplus to reduce the nation's debt, one-fourth for tax cuts and one-fourth for spending. He also led the Blue Dogs' effort to control the deficit with spending caps.
The House last year passed legislation sponsored by Turner that would create a memorial to victims of terrorism on the National Mall.
Turner also is one of five Texans on the House Armed Services Committee.
Before his election, Turner served 10 years in the state Senate and House. He also has been the mayor of Crockett.
| Rank | Location | Receipts | Donors/Avg | Freepers/Avg | Monthlies | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | New Jersey | 565.00 |
12 |
47.08 |
347 |
1.63 |
170.00 |
8 |
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Now, ain't that just too damned sad?
If I remember correctly, Turner always ran as a "conservative" Democrat and was in a district that was never going to vote him out of office.
Come on Jimbo... you have EVERY opportunity to SEEK re-election...
However, you have NO REALISTIC opportunity to WIN re-election.
You know, this just ruined my day. I'll probably be stuck with that Rat as my CongressCritter for the next 10 years.
He said he has no realistic chance to win his congressional seat, but is considering running for these offices?
This P.O.S. is MY congressman and, before that, my state senator and his departure is GOOD riddance as far as I'm concerned!
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