Another Democrat Congressman Retires (Arkansas Rep. Marion Berry)

Washington Post ^ | 1-24-10 | Chris Cillizza

[reg45]

.... so that the Democrat candidate in 2010 can say “I didn’t vote for it.”

[Slyfox]

Found himself in a bit of a jam, did he?

[comebacknewt]

And we edge a bit closer to the 40 seats we need for the takeover.

[Deagle]

Why did 12 Republicans pick this time to retire? Mercy...are they nuts? This could have been the year that was...(for Democrats to confront for years)... Hopefully, it still will be.

[DHSMostWanted]

I knew Dems liked surrendering.

[SierraWasp]

The Dems are suffering from liquifaction due to being up to their differentials in QUICKSAND!!!

[SierraWasp]

I'm exstatic over learning the Scott Brown even took Barney Frank's district!!!

The Democrat dam is busting!!!

[DarthVader]

Boom, boom, boom! Another one bites the dust!

[gthog61]

That’s where I grew up. It is eastern Arkansas, one of the poorest districts in the country. The rest of Arkansas looks down on that part of the state. They have never had a Republican congressman that I can remember. This guy’s two immediate predecessors were Blanche Lincoln and Bill Alexander (the Castro lover).

[luvie]

...and another one bites the dust! :D

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

"The message coming out of the Massachusetts special election is clear: No Democrat is safe," said National Republican Congressional Committee communications director Ken Spain

Hey Spain - Republicans are also on the chopping block too. Don't get your hopes up.

[Crichton]

Why did 12 Republicans pick this time to retire? Mercy...are they nuts?

By retiring in what will likely be a strong GOP year they are making it easy for a Republican to hold the seat.

Would you prefer they had retired in 2006 or 2008 and quite possibly lost the seat as a result, or take a chance on an uncertain future climate?

Personally, I'm glad there are some Congresscritters who realize there's a third option aside from being voted out or leaving feet first.

[Deagle]

Sorry, not sure I agree with that. Too many of them are not exactly old so why now? It seems that they thought that things were going to be tough before they realized the current atmosphere. My gosh, all are younger than Spector who is trying to hang on at all costs. Where are the Republicans that want to change Obama’s policies - for goodness sakes!

[Uncle Ivan]

It's where I'm from and still live.

The fact that more counties are voting GOP and the district even went for McCain despite a sizable minority population is significant.

[free1977free]

It's a hard task, but we can safely reduce the number of Rinos in Congress. I predict we will gain a majority but it would be useless if we fill it with Rockefeller republicans or mcmaniacs.

[Deagle]

Yep, that’s the goal. Actually I think control of Congress is within our grasp. The Senate is not far behind - 47 or more. Always hopeful.

[fieldmarshaldj]

They last had one from 1873-1875 (not a typo).

[chilltherats]

But are there any GOOD pubs retiring? Or are they the usual losers?

[chilltherats]

Is it a black or white district? If black, maybe a black pub could win it.