I don't know what "butt" you think you'll be "kicking," but if you think that losing votes is a concern to either of these guys, you aren't aware of the situation. Governor Foster won his last election with about 55 or 60% of the vote. In late August, Karl Rove was in full court press to persuade him to run for this seat. He was the only Republican who would have been able to win the seat almost without a fight. When he refused to run, many Republican planners were discouraged that we could win the seat at all. Governor Foster's only interest when he leaves his current office is to hunt, fish, and enjoy his family. Likewise, Dr. Cooksey had promised to serve only three terms in the House, and he is fulfilling that promise by stepping down in January. At his age, there would be no point in making another run for any office. He wanted to serve six more years in Washington before retiring, but he'll be happy returning to private life.
Pretty good reasoning there. I can't fight your logic.