Parties urge aging lawmakers to hold on for another term

[babylonsister]

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2006/12/26/parties_urge_aging_lawmakers_to_hold_on_for_another_term/

Parties urge aging lawmakers to hold on for another term
Retirements could magnify GOP's losses

By Shailagh Murray, Washington Post | December 26, 2006

WASHINGTON -- The Republicans' stinging losses last month could be magnified in 2008 if veteran GOP Senate and House members decide to retire, including numerous lawmakers who will be 70 or older on that Election Day.

Senator Tim Johnson's sudden illness was a reminder to both parties that the balance of power in Congress is fragile . But Johnson, a South Dakota Democrat, is a youthful 59. Republican and Democratic leaders are scrambling to persuade colleagues who qualified for Medicare during the administration of President Bush's father to hold on for at least one more term.

GOP leaders are particularly fearful that the Democrats will be able to expand their narrow House and Senate majorities if some of Congress's biggest Republican names call it quits. Party leaders dread retirements because they create open seats, which tend to generate costly and highly competitive primaries and general election races.

"The next election cycle could be very challenging," conceded Representative Tom Cole, Republican of Oklahoma, the incoming chairman of the House Republican campaign committee. By losing the majority, he said, "we've lost one of the most powerful reasons for members to stay."

Senator Ted Stevens, Republican of Alaska, born Nov. 18, 1923, is the oldest member of "Club 21," the unusually large class of 21 Republican senators who face reelection in 2008. Seven of those Republicans were born before World War II, including at least four who represent states that could flip Democratic.

In the House, as many as 30 Republicans may retire, according to operatives from both parties, with senior lawmakers including Representatives Ralph Regula of Ohio, 82, and C. W. Bill Young of Florida, who turned 76 on Dec. 16, leading the list. Democrats are nervous, too. Days after the Nov. 7 election, incoming Senate Majority leader Harry M. Reid of Nevada called the 12 Democratic senators whose terms are up in 2008 -- including Senators Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, 82, and John D. Rockefeller IV, who turns 70 next year -- to encourage them to stay put.

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[msongs]

1. surely there are qualified younger democrats to run in these races? nt

[MrRobotsHolyOrders]

3. Hrrrrm

I was under the impression that we have a pretty strong bench to back up The Rock, should he decide to spend more time with the grandkids.

If we don't have a replacement lined up for Lautenberg already, I'm nervous that are Senate gains may only be 11 seats instead of 12.

[Geoff R. Casavant]

2. Veteran Dem senators from states with Dem governors

should think about retiring in late 2007, so their replacements can be appointed and have a leg up for 2008.

[MrRobotsHolyOrders]

4. Oh, Uncle Ted

He's getting a certain Strom Thurmond-esque sheen of senility to him, but I have no doubt that the fine people of Alaska will undoubtably find someone as utterly corrupt to replace him.