Like rats from a sinking ship!
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/74425-dorgan-announces-retirement
His statement:
“Although I still have a passion for public service and enjoy my work in the Senate, I have other interests and I have other things I would like to pursue outside of public life. I have written two books and have an invitation from a publisher to write two more books. I would like to do some teaching and would also like to work on energy policy in the private sector.
“So, over this holiday season, I have come to the conclusion, with the support of my family, that I will not be seeking another term in the U.S. Senate in 2010. It is a hard decision to make after thirty years in the Congress, but I believe it is the right time for me to pursue these other interests.
“Let me be clear that this decision does not relate to any dissatisfaction that I have about serving in the Senate. Yes, I wish there was less rancor and more bipartisanship in the U.S. Senate these days. But still, it is a great privilege to serve and I have the utmost respect for all of the men and women with whom I serve.
Great. The dems lose the advantage of incumbency, and this has high potential for picking up a Senate seat for the GOP.
Anybody know who the leading candidate(s) might be from both sides?
Gee,
So, in addition to teaching and writing, he wants to work in the private sector energy field. Of what use could a retired US Senator be to an oil company? Roughneck? Field engineer? Lobbyist?
There are essentially two types of people in politics. Those who serve with a sense of noblesse oblige and those who see politics as a means of enriching themselves either when they are in office or after they leave office. We now know which type Dorgan is.
That said, we’re better off having him lobbying. Wish him well.