‘More To Come’: House Republicans Brace For Even More Retirements

UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 26: Rep. Paul Mitchell, R-Mich., is seen before a House Armed Services Committee hearing titled “The Impact of National Defense on the Economy, Diplomacy, and International Order, ” in Rayburn Building on September 26, 2018. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 26: Rep. Paul Mitchell, R-Mich., is seen before a House Armed Services Committee hearing titled The Impact of National Defense on the Economy, Diplomacy, and International Order, in Rayburn... UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 26: Rep. Paul Mitchell, R-Mich., is seen before a House Armed Services Committee hearing titled The Impact of National Defense on the Economy, Diplomacy, and International Order, in Rayburn Building on September 26, 2018. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) MORE LESS
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House Republicans are blaming their status as the minority party for the first time in eight years for the recent slew of retirement announcements, which some predict could have a damaging impact on efforts to retake the House, Politico reported.

And many believe the retirement announcements won’t slow down anytime soon.

“I believe there will be more to come,” Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) told Politico. “Being in the minority weighs on members’ decision-making. … It is a new reality for many.”

Politico published a retirement watch list based on rumors floating around Capitol Hill. The list is made up of a handful of older members, moderate members, those facing difficult reelections and, of course, the two lawmakers currently under indictment.

Their predictions: Reps. Hal Rogers (KY), Jim Sensenbrenner (WI), Don Young (AK), Fred Upton (MI), Greg Walden (OR), Michael McCaul (TX), Kenny Marchant (TX) Ann Wagner (MO), Duncan Hunter (CA) and Chris Collins (NY).

In the last two weeks, five House Republicans have announced their retirements. While the uptick in lawmakers calling it quits has made some nervous, most of the departing members are from red districts.

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Notable Replies

  1. Well, that’s just odd.

    I don’t remember in any recent history an entire minority party forcing a more minority status on its party because it was a minority party…

    Wouldn’t you think staying and encouraging others of the same party to run and defeat the majority party would be a better strategy?

    You know - like the Dems did for the 2018 midterms?

  2. They’re a bunch of fucking bullies and cowards and they’re running out the door to grab the lobbyist gigs before the whole ramshackle GOP castle falls on their heads in Nov 2020.

    Meanwhile, in the Senate, more and more of the GOP #treason caucus are signing up for racist dog-whistles, gerrymandering, vote suppression, and outright blackmail–because they know that if they lose the Senate, a whole damn bunch of them are going to go to jail.

    Gangsters and thieves.

  3. “I believe there will be more to come,” Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) told Politico. “Being in the minority weighs on members’ decision-making. … It is a new reality for many.”

    Being a workin’ man sucks, Tom. Sad.

  4. The cowardice is simply amazing. Being a chickenhawk starts at the top, guys. Don’t “like” being in the minority - give me a f-ing break!!! And I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that it’s mainly men so far. Egos of glass.

  5. Guess they got tired of all the winning.

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