The GOP needs
retirements the same way they need more Abramoff convictions.
Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Calif.), the fiery chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced his retirement today, ending the Congressional tenure of one of Capitol Hill's most polarizing yet effective figures.
Thomas, who must relinquish the Ways and Means gavel at this end of this Congress because of term limits on the post, announced the decision from his district office in Bakersfield, Calif., with his wife, Sharon, at his side.
"Today, I am announcing that I will not seek reelection to the United States Congress," Thomas said, according to a release sent out by his office.
Bush got about 65 percent in this district, so it wouldn't be a top-tier pickup opportunity. But a strong candidate could make Republicans sweat. And the more open seats they are forced to defend, the more likely their resources ill be spread thin allowing for unexpected pickup opportunities.
The NRCC desperately needs its incumbents to stay put. Yet many are looking at the looming indictments and are deciding that now may be a great time to cash out and become lobbyists.
(Click image to enlarge)
Update: Congressional Quarterly has the full list of vacancies and notes that it's still hard for opposition parties to pick up most of these seats.