The Politico notes, “Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) announced this evening that he’s retiring at the end of his term, a shocking development that threatens Democratic control of his Senate seat next year”:
Dorgan was up for re-election in 2010, but the third-term senator wasn’t facing any serious Republican opposition.
“So, over this holiday season, I have come to the conclusion, with the support of my family, that I will not be seeking another term in the U.S. Senate in 2010. It is a hard decision to make after thirty years in the Congress, but I believe it is the right time for me to pursue these other interests,” Dorgan said in a statement.
“Let me be clear that this decision does not relate to any dissatisfaction that I have about serving in the Senate. Yes, I wish there was less rancor and more bipartisanship in the U.S. Senate these days. But still, it is a great privilege to serve and I have the utmost respect for all of the men and women with whom I serve.”
Dorgan is the first Democratic senator to announce his retirement this cycle, with his decision coming one month after several House Democrats representing conservative-minded districts decided not to run for re-election.
David Brooks could not be reached for comment.
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