TX-14: Ron Paul won't seek re-election to House

Whoa:

After serving almost 24 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Ron Paul told The Facts this morning he will not be seeking another term for the District 14 seat.

Paul, 75, will instead focus on his quest for the presidency in 2012.

“I felt it was better that I concentrate on one election,” Paul said. “It’s about that time when I should change tactics.”

His announcement will give enough time for anyone with aspirations for his seat to think about running, he said. Paul didn’t want to wait for filing in the 2012 primary to let people know he wasn’t seeking reelection.

“I didn’t want to hold off until in December,” he said. “I thought it shouldn’t be any later than now.”

Paul's 14th CD seat was made considerably bluer in redistricting, but it's still quite red, going from a 66-33 McCain district to a 57-42 McCain district. Undoubtedly this now-open seat will generate a lot of interest, particularly on the GOP side. The primary is in March.