Parties Urge Aging Lawmakers to Hang On for One More Term: GOP Particularly Fears Open Seats

[DeepModem Mom]

WP: Parties Urge Aging Lawmakers to Hang On for One More Term
After 2006 Losses, GOP Particularly Fears Open Seats
By Shailagh Murray
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, December 24, 2006; Page A04

The Republicans' stinging losses last month could be magnified in 2008 if veteran GOP Senate and House members decide to retire, including numerous lawmakers who will be 70 or older on that Election Day.

Sen. Tim Johnson's sudden illness was a reminder to both parties that the balance of power in Congress is fragile indeed. But Johnson, a South Dakota Democrat, is a youthful 59. Republican and Democratic leaders are scrambling to persuade colleagues who qualified for Medicare back during the administration of President Bush's father to hold on for at least one more term.

GOP leaders are particularly fearful that the Democrats will be able to expand their narrow House and Senate majorities if some of Congress's biggest Republican names call it quits. Party leaders dread retirements because they create open seats, which tend to generate costly and highly competitive primaries and general-election races. "The next election cycle could be very challenging," conceded Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), the incoming chairman of the House Republican campaign committee. By losing the majority, he said, "we've lost one of the most powerful reasons for members to stay."

Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), born Nov. 18, 1923, is the oldest member of "Club 21," the unusually large class of 21 Republican senators who face reelection in 2008. Seven of those Republicans were born before World War II, including at least four who represent states that could flip Democratic.

In the House, as many as 30 Republicans may retire, according to operatives from both parties, with senior lawmakers including Reps. Ralph Regula (Ohio), 82, and C.W. Bill Young of Florida, who turned 76 on Dec. 16, leading the list. Democrats are nervous, too. Days after the Nov. 7 election, incoming Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (Nev.) called the 12 Democratic senators whose terms are up in 2008 -- including Sens. Frank Lautenberg (N.J.), 82, and John D. Rockefeller IV, who turns 70 next year -- to encourage them to stay put....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/23/AR2006122300708.html

[snowbear]

1. What I think will happen with Ted Stevens (R) Alaska...

First of all.. he announced in the Anchorage Daily News a couple months ago that he plans on running again in 2008...



But here's what I think will happen. His son, former state senator Ben Stevens --> is under federal investigation with the FBI and is likely going down SOON. (It's VERY serious!!!!)

After the November 7th election, and with his son in so much trouble - I doubt Ted Stevens will stick around much longer.

He can barely talk anymore and when he tries, it's becoming impossible to decipher what he's saying. He refuses to do interviews with the local press or media outlets up here (claims they're too bias).. but when they do catch him talking somewhere, he looks like death warmed over!

I think his corrupt son's dirty dealings, topped with losing the majority in the senate, will be too much for the old guy.. He's too frail as it is.

The Republicans in the state that residents would normally think would take a shot at Steven's job are all indicted in the same FBI investigation or are corrupt themselves..

Which leaves us with the next U.S. Senator from Alaska.. My prediction (since he's popular with all political parties here) will be Ethan Berkowitz (D) of Anchorage. ~~

And that's the word from the frozen tundra..

[Blue_In_AK]

3. I like the way you think, Larissa...

Ethan would be a fantastic senator, someone we could finally be proud of down there in DC. Ted's just entirely too old, and I'm sure he's none too pleased with Ben's troubles. I don't know why he doesn't just quit and come home.

I like Ethan for Senator, and I'd sure like to see Diane Benson run against Don Young again in two years. I can live with Lisa, but Ted and Don have to go.

[Toots]

4. Do you think there is any way in hell Senator Stevens can be tied in with his kid?

I would love for there to be found a connection between the goings on with "the Corrupt Bastards" and Stevens. Personally I don't see how there could not be. I am sure Ted guided his kid with all the "how to's" to grab the dough....

[snowbear]

5. There is a possibility the older Stevens will be connected to the "Corrupt Bastards Club"

Can you believe those jerks actually had caps & t-shirts they wore during their secret meetings with that embroidered on them !?!?!?

"Corrupt Bastards Club (aka CBC)"

Recently our media said that the FBI had raided U.S. Senator Ted Stevens home... then later they made a correction saying that it hadn't been raided..

When he's not in D.C., he's tucked away at his home 1/2 hour south of Anchorage in the little community of Girdwood...



I do think the elder Stevens is also involved with the "CBC".. The FBI has been pretty slow going with the case though and only made their first arrest a couple weeks ago.

There are definitely more arrests to come according to news reports.

[whalerider55]

2. I wonder how many of these aging...

pre-senile, backward candidates live in blue or purple states?

whalerider55