Gordon becomes fourth Dem to announce retirement

“So it is written, so it shall be,” spake Yul Brenner as Ramses II in Cecil b. De Mille’s “The Ten Commandments” (1956).

It is very likely that by the time this post is published that thousands of words will have been written about Congressman Bart Gordon’s announcement this morning that he will not seek re-election next year. I first read the announcement on Nashville Post Politics Blog shortly before 9:30 this morning. It took only minutes for news sources and bloggers to pick up the story, and it was the dominant topic of discussion on NashPo all day.

From Gordon’s release:

“I feel honored that the people of Middle Tennessee have allowed me to serve them for the past 25 years,” said Gordon.  “Every decision I have made in Congress has been with their best interests in mind.  I hope the people here at home feel that I have served them as well as their good advice and views have served me.

After more than a quarter-century of public service to his home state of Tennessee, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced his plans to retire from Congress when his current term ends in 2010.

As Kleinheider suggested, “This Is Huge.” Routinely, Members of Congress decide against seeking re-election if they realize electoral victory is out of reach. This is not merely a Democratic phenomenon; however, five Democratic Congressmen have announced their retirement within the last few weeks. Gordon joins three other Democratic Congressmen who have announced their retirement: John Tanner (TN-8),  Dennis Moore (KS-3), and Brian Baird (WA-3).

Shortly after Gordon’s announcement, State Senator Jim Tracy confirmed that he would seek Gordon’s seat. Kerry Roberts, a small business owner who lives in the district, also confirmed that he would run as a Republican in the 6th District.

No Democrats have announced at this time, but several names have been floated as potential candidates, including State Representative Henry Fincher (D – 42) and a few others.

With Gordon stepping down at the end of this term, it is exceedingly likely that a Republican will pick up the seat. The district overwhelmingly supported John McCain over Barack Obama in the Presidential election last year, and it continues to move to the right politically.

I will continue to watch this race very closely.