Free Republic

Massachusetts congressman Barney Frank announced on Monday that he will not seek a 17th term in office. Sixteen other House Democrats have announced their retirements, along with six Republicans (who are all seeking higher office). The mass exodus of Democrats leaves political observers wondering if 2012 will be a bad year for President Obama’s party. But Frank, a liberal icon, blames Massachusetts redistricting rather than any national trend for hastening his departure. “I would have had to work very hard,” explained the congressman, who mustered just 54 percent of the 2010 vote. “I think I would have won, but I...