FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Not a good sign for the Democrats when a growing list of lawmakers - including veteran Senators Chris Dodd and Byron Dorgan - are choosing not to run for re-election this Fall.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/01/06/dodd.dorgan.jpg caption=" (L to R) Sen. Chris Dodd, D-CT and Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-ND"]
Dorgan of North Dakota says he wants out of politics in order to do other things. Connecticut's Chris Dodd acknowledges his difficult political situation, along with personal reasons, in not running for a sixth term. Dodd has been under fire for his ties to the financial industry and his dealings with a VIP mortgage loan program.
Things are looking pretty rough for the Democrats come November. When you consider the sagging poll numbers of President Obama and the Democratic Party, some suggest the Republicans could have their best chance in years of making big gains.
In the senate, the Democrats stand to lose their filibuster-proof majority of 60 votes. And it's estimated they could lose 20 to 30 seats in the House. If those things happen, President Obama could be rendered almost powerless when it comes to getting his legislation passed.
These retirements come at a time when Democratic incumbents - including big names like Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senator Arlen Specter - are facing tough re-election fights of their own.
To be fair - it's not just Democrats who are leaving town. In the Senate, there are five Democrats and six Republicans not running for re-election. In the House, there are five Democrats retiring and six running for other offices... while there are two Republicans retiring and 12 running for other offices.
Here’s my question to you: Why are so many Democrats heading for the exits?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Jamie writes:
Because they know they don't have a snowball’s chance to get re-elected. They were put in the position of being irrelevant within their party or supporting unpopular policies set forth by Pelosi, Reid, and Obama. It's more profitable to remain loyal to the party.
Marie from Portland, Oregon writes:
Jack, Do the math. There are more Republicans not running for re-election in the Senate than there are Democrats. The same goes for the House. So why aren't you asking: "Why are so many Republicans heading for the exits?"
Monroe from Connecticut writes:
Even the Democrats are starting to see the folly of the Obama administration - talk about a sinking ship. Chris Dodd has been a disgrace, as was his father before him in Connecticut. They are all just worthless thieves who are in it to line their pockets. He just jumped off the ship before the people turned him out. He is worthless.
William from New Jersey writes:
It's time all the hacks get out regardless of political party. Let's get some fresh non-partisan blood in there.
Rich writes:
I would first ask the question "Is this normal for any off-election year?" Also, aren't there as many or more Republicans who have chosen not to run in the fall? Your question seems to be exaggerating the situation.
Ron from Copenhagen writes:
As much as I hate to say it (because I am VERY pro-Obama) I think these guys are abandoning what they see as a sinking ship. It’s too bad, really, as this administration has been the first glimmer of hope the U.S. has seen in many, many years.
Jeremy from Albuquerque, New Mexico writes:
Jack, Your article answers your question; all these politicians are either retiring or moving ahead with their careers. Go home and get some sleep. You sound like a complete idiot today.