Visclosky to call it quits, won't seek reelection in 2020

[brooklynite]

Source: The Times of Northwest Indiana

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Gary, will not seek reelection next year, ending his more than three decade tenure representing Northwest Indiana in the U.S. House.

Visclosky did not give a specific reason for his decision in his surprise announcement that came on the 35th anniversary of his initial election to Congress on Nov. 6, 1984.

He instead recalled the work he's done in the federal government to support the domestic steel industry and organized labor, secure investments in transformational projects such as the South Shore Line, and improve quality of place "to benefit the only place I have ever called home."

"For the last 35 years our office has vigorously advocated on behalf of thousands of constituents for assistance on any number of local, state and federal issues," Visclosky said. "While we could never guarantee positive results, we could guarantee our hard work and best efforts."

Read more: https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/visclosky-won-t-seek-reelection-in/article_fb96476d-783a-57d1-9e82-eb714dd50f38.html

[TygrBright]

1. Possibly this is an indication he thinks a Democratic replacement could be elected now.

It's a real issue for a number of Democrats with long service in increasingly-conservative districts. They continue to get re-elected on name recognition and the good will they've built up through constituent services, etc., but if they don't run the seat is at risk of being lost to a GOPpie.

This may be an "iron is hot" situation.

interestedly,
Bright

[aggiesal]

2. Lake County and specifically his district ...

has pretty much been a safe Dem district.
During 2008 Presidential election, this area was designated
the most Liberal location in the US, when Obama campaigned in the area.

Unless things have drastically changed, I believe it's still a safe Dem seat.

[TygrBright]

3. That's good news. Perhaps Visclosky is simply hoping for a quieter life! n/t

[Grins]

4. He's been there 35-years and I never heard of him?

What the hell did he ever do?

[Rebl2]

5. A specific reason?

How about 35 years is long enough. I wish Congress people wouldn’t make it their career. Nothing against him, but I do wish there was a limit to how long they can stay in Congress and the Senate.

[AKing]

6. Hammond,In Mayor Tom McDermott has announced he will be running for Viscloskey's seat....

He's done a good job as Mayor of Hammond and has a strong organization.

[AKing]

7. UPDATE: Two candidates already vying for Visclosky's seat representing NWI in Congress

[link:https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/update-two-candidates-already-vying-for-visclosky-s-seat-representing/article_02aa478b-bc0c-5c93-9955-98c643254793.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-2|

HAMMOND — Buckle up Northwest Indiana voters because you're already on board for a wild election.

Within minutes of U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Gary, declaring Wednesday he will not seek reelection next year to a 19th term, two Hammond Democrats announced their campaigns to succeed him — with many more candidates still likely to come.

In the race are Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., who already had been eyeing a Democratic primary challenge to the Region's long-serving congressman, and North Township Trustee Frank J. Mrvan.