Each week, it seems another Democrat lawmaker announces their retirement from Congress. On Thursday, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) joined the growing list. It is only January, but 11 Democrat lawmakers have said they are quitting at the end of this current term.
Sen. Max Baucus (MT)
Sen. Tom Harkin (IA)
Sen. Carl Levin (MI)
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (WV)
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY)
Rep. George Miller (CA)
Rep. Jim Moran (VA)
Rep. Jim Matheson (UT)
Rep. Mike McIntyre (NC)
Rep. Bill Owens (NY)
Rep. Henry Waxman (CA)
All the lawmakers, with the exception of Owens had a lot of seniority and would have been in line for Chairman gavels on important committees if Democrats took control of Congress. The retirements could be an indication of how unlikely they think that is.
Two of the House seats, in UT and NC, are almost guaranteed to flip to the Republicans. Romney won those districts by 40 and 19 points respectively. That means Democrats need to flip 19 seats now, rather than 17.
Who will be next for the door?