Sad to See 'Em Go

Could be the death of a dear younger friend and a two-week tug-of-war with the flu that have me reflecting on loss today.  (By the way, I've missed communing with you, dear Lefties, but  haven't been up to posting.) 

 

I've been marinating in the sad news that Congressman George Miller (D-CA) will be retiring.  A hard-working liberal Democrat, Mr. Miller has served for 40 years; he's one of two remaining members in the "Congressional Class of '75," elected in 1974 for the first time, just after Watergate.  Thankfully, it looks like Congressman Henry Waxman won't be leaving just yet.  George Miller has been a strong advocate for the environment, public education and affordable health care.   I heard him say he's determined to see the minimum wage raised before his departure.   If you don't know his record, believe me:  You will miss him.

 

Carolyn McCarthy's (D-NY) exit leaves me with a heavy heart, too.  In 1993 her husband was killed and her son severely injured by a mass shooter on a Long Island commuter train; the tragedy motivated her to run for Congress.  She's very forthcoming, seems more comfortable than most about speaking her mind.  Her advocacy, especially for gun safety, will be greatly missed.

 

I'm also sorry to see Mike McIntyre (D-NC) go.  God knows North Carolina needs his representation in D.C. The odds aren't great for electing another Democrat in that district—but who knows?  Maybe the passionate Moral Mondays crowd will unite with Democrats to pull off a miracle.

 

While I've celebrated a couple of retirement announcements (Michelle Bachmann's, R-Minnesota, for example), I'm focused mostly on the decisions of some of our wiser Senators and a few strong House members to end their Congressional careers.   I was heart-broken when Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) announced he wouldn't be seeking another term.  No way to replace him.  Just no way.

 

Then there's Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, a straight-talking, nose-to-the-grindstone, get-it-done Democrat.   Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) and  Jay Rockefeller (D-West Virginia).— Sad.  Sad to lose them.   Max Baucus (D-Montana) won't be coming back either.  He has disappointed me at times, hasn't been as liberal as I've wished, but still . . . .  I checked with a cousin of mine in Whitefish, Montana earlier this morning.  She said there have been Democrats in the U.S. Senate ever since she and her family moved to Montana;  they'll do all they can to keep up that tradition.  

 

Here's Rollcall's list of members who plan to retire:

 

House:

    •    Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., 66, 11 terms
    •    Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., 57, 4 terms
    •    John Campbell, R-Calif., 58, 5 terms
    •    Howard Coble, R-N.C., 82, 15 terms
    •    Jim Gerlach, R-Pa., 58, 6 terms
    •    Tim Griffin, R-Ark., 45, 2 terms
    •    Tom Latham, R-Iowa, 65, 10 terms
    •    Jim Matheson, D-Utah, 53, 7 terms
    •    Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., 70, 9 terms
    •    Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., 57, 9 terms
    •    George Miller, D-Calif., 68, 20 terms
    •    Jon Runyan, R-N.J., 40, 2 terms
    •    Frank R. Wolf, R-Va., 74, 17 terms

Senate:
   
    •    Max Baucus, D-Mont., 71, 6 terms
    •    Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., 70, 2 terms
    •    Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, 74, 5 terms
    •    Mike Johanns, R-Neb., 62, 1 term
    •    Tim Johnson, D-S.D., 67, 3 terms
    •    Carl Levin, D-Mich., 79, 6 terms
    •    Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., 76, 5 terms

 

Stuart Rothenberg over at Rollcall offers his take on the open House seats on his Rothenblog:  http://blogs.rollcall.com/rothenblog/rothenbergs-dangerous-dozen-open-house-seats/