Analysts: House Republicans could see up to 40 retirements

[Rose Siding]

House Republicans have limited most of their retirements to conservatives in solidly red districts and a handful of statewide-office seekers, but political analysts say 10 to 15 more Republicans could announce in the coming months that they are stepping down.

With the president’s approval ratings between 35 and 40 percent, the unrest in Iraq and GOP scandals still problems for Republicans in polls, the number of possible Democratic pickups looks to be growing.

“If you look at past experience, it would suggest that you tend not to get a last-minute rush” of retirements, said Norman Ornstein, a resident scholar at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. “But I don’t know if that’s going to be the case this time. I think that actually the scandals, the problems, the headaches may cause a number of people two or three months from now to decide that maybe it’s time for a change, maybe they need to spend more time with their families. … I think we could see up to 40.”
...
Amy Walter, a senior editor at the Cook Political Report, observed that in August 1993 there were three Democratic open seats. By March that had jumped to 22 and by July to 30.

The critical question, Walter said, is whether there will be a similar cascade of Republican retirements in 2006 and, just as important, whether those retirements are in competitive districts.

http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Campaign/030106.html

[Kierkegaard]

1. The more, the merrier!

Hell, let's shoot for 50. Whaddya say?

[babylonsister]

2. I'm saying a little prayer...!! nt

[Pirate Smile]

3. Absolutely WONDERFUL news.

:-)

[Janice325]

4. Here's hoping!

k&r

[Lindsay]

5. From Mr. Ornstein's mouth

to God's/Goddess's ear.

[Hissyspit]

6. Another critical question: Whether or not they will continue to get away

with stealing elections.

[Chemical Bill]

19. You're not kidding. n/t

[Tiggeroshii]

7. That's probably our only chance of winning

If more than 16 Republicans resign clost to the same time before the november elections, the Democrats will, for a short period be instated as the majority in the US House. They can do with this position what they please.

With electronic voting taking a solid grasp on our elections, a short term Democratic House investigating electronic voting and elctoral fraud -as well as decertifying and illegalizing any and all electronic voting machines before 2006 will be the only hope for a fair election in November.

[wryter2000]

15. Ohgodohgodohgod

More than anything I want the House. Give John Conyers subpena power.

[IronLionZion]

21. Why would they resign before their term is finished?

If I was a congress critter, I would announce my retirement and finish out my term. I expect they'll do the same.

[Tiggeroshii]

26. They would

...unless their power attract much unwanted attention to their illegal contributions. If their maintaining their job pretty much guarantees them the fate of Cunningham and others, they will resign with the goods they illegally attained while doing the job. I'm sure there's enough repiglicans out there like this to give us the house.

[AndyA]

8. 40 Retirements: oh the joy of it all! Do I hear 45?

God knows they've made enough from kick backs from lobbyists over the last 5 years, so they surely won't have to worry about how they're going to fill up the SUV.

[Tiggeroshii]

9. It would be their safest bet.

Retiring will, that is

[Ready4Change]

10. Who is retiring?

Don't just rejoice. WHO is retiring?

Rabid, foaming at the mouth Neocon supporters? If so, good riddance.

True, old style conservatives, who have more in common with Democrats that with the current leadership of this so-called Republican party? If so, look for them to be replaced by more fervent, rabid Neocons.

I ask again. WHO is retiring?

[babylonsister]

11. Please enjoy the possibility! Really. Times' are a changin'! nt

[Ready4Change]

13. Sorry, my brain won't stop.

Too many times in history have people celebrated the demise of a tyrant, only to find him replaced with a still worse tyrant.

These retirements are said to be in the Reddest states. I would gather that, whoever the GOP runs for those positions, they'll likely win. Sure the Dems may gain a few of those seats, and that is a good thing, worth celebrating.

However, right now, even some Republicans are rising up against the Bush Administration. Are we sure this isn't just the Neocons cleaning house? Ridding themselves of moderate trouble makers and putting more loyal rubber stampers in place?

I say it again. WHO is retiring?

[wryter2000]

16. You have a point

It would be nice to get rid of the wingnuts and keep people like Jones and the Texas Libertarian (senior moment here :)). However, just having a majority could achieve miracles.

[displacedtexan]

12. New Repuke Mantra: Take The War Chest And Run!

Elected officials get to keep their donated loot when they leave office.

[gasperc]

14. we need to have solid candidates step in quickly

I'll bet the GOP will set-up last minute primary challengers just before someone retires.

We need a stratergy to be ready for this possiblity

[ClassWarrior]

17. Just 16+5=2006.

Never Give Up.

[Arugula Latte]

18. Buh Bye, Rethugs ...

Don't let the door hit ya where Evolution split ya!

[bluerum]

20. They will become private sector "congressman". Lobbyists and shills

for the republican machine.

I am not sure if this strengthens of weakens the republican party.

[IronLionZion]

22. It strengthens the need for lobbying regulations

like the bill Russ Feingold has introduced but will never pass because our congress has been corrupted.

[bluerum]

24. It clearly demonstrates the need for reform. It also strengthens the

the case for reform.

Oh,, listen to me. I am presuming that it is a forgone conclusion that thats what will happen (The retiring pukes becoming lobbyists and defense sector advisers that is.).

I wonder if they see the bloodletting in the 06 elections coming and are making a move into the private sector to spread the agenda. Like moles or plants, building republican stink tanks and political organizations and waiting till some of the stink from this administration blows over.

I would not be surprised to see Rove being behind some kind of neocon plan of this sort.

:puke: :puke:

[Independent_Liberal]

23. I have a feeling we're going to see a sweep despite some gerrymandering.

40 retirments? That's what I want to hear.

:)

[KansDem]

25. Gettin' out while the gettin's good?

Eh, Repubs?

[onehandle]

27. Enjoy your retirement in Iraq.

Give them a uniform, a rifle, and a clip of ammo.

Release them into the desert.

Fight for your country, pussies.

[ObaMania]

28. That's nice, but...

.. shouldn't investigations be started on all suspected retirees to flush out and make an example of all the crooks while they are still in office?

It would facilitate their departure and probably put some of these fuckwad enablers behind bars.

Bonus!