[discomatic]

I live in his district and loathe him. I suspect our worthless state senator Lowe Finney may try for it. We’re running a solid conservative against whoever the Dem is.

[freekitty]

He can leave his pension and goodies at the door.

[napscoordinator]

Over 20 years on the job is enough. Go enjoy your retirement. I wish more would decide this.

[perfect_rovian_storm]

Here’s another one retiring rather than face the uphill battle. A trend perhaps? :)

[AdvisorB]

I think the d-RAT Tanner saw the handwriting on the wall, and it wasn’t a forgery....both GOP standard bearers’ George W. Bush (04) and John McCain in the last election carried the district. And McCain won with over 56% of the vote, while Obuma scrapped by with just over 43%.

An attractive conservative candidate should be able to win this district, especially with the unpopular Obuma stinking up the place.

BTW, Tanner probably would not have captured this seat in the first place had he not been former Tennessee Speaker of the House and eight year Tennessee Governor, Ned McWherter’s cousin.

[Impy]

But, Tanner's departure seems to be evidence of a validation of House Republicans' concerted effort to recruit credible challengers to longtime Democratic members sitting in GOP-leaning districts.

That's a good strategy. Is someone at the NRCC actually doing their job?

So this one looks like a tossup now.

Hopefully there are more rat retirements to come.