Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) has closed the door on seeking reelection next year.
Gregg, the ranking Republican on the Budget Committee, said he hasn’t changed his mind about not seeking a fourth term in 2010, despite “good-natured” pressure from National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman John Cornyn (Texas).
“Bottom line, I do not have any intention of running for reelection,” Gregg said, responding “yes” when asked if his mind was 100 percent made up.
The NRSC has struggled to recruit a candidate to run for Gregg’s seat.The leading contender to win the Democratic primary next year is Rep. Paul Hodes (N.H.).
Asked how strongly he pushed Gregg to reconsider, Cornyn on Wednesday said, “Well, I've asked him. I figure if you change your mind once, you can change it again. I think he's probably pretty firm. But he's a great senator, and he's done a magnificent job on the budget, and he's really one of our best members. So it’s a loss not only for Republicans but for the whole Senate. But it’s also important to know when to go, and obviously it’s a very personal decision, so I respect it."
Gregg accepted President Obama’s offer to become his Commerce secretary, then reconsidered and withdrew his nomination.
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/gregg-not-convinced-to-run-again-2009-04-01.html