I blogged earlier about rumors that Rep. Delahunt was considering retiring from his seat in eastern Massachusetts. Last week, Delahunt confirmed the rumors by announcing he will not run for reelection in 2010. Republicans, energized by Sen. Scott Murphy’s upset in January’s special Senate election, smell a pick-up opportunity.
Open seats are a rarity in Massachusetts and potential contenders are lining up on both sides.
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Democrats Pick Candidate to Run for Murtha Seat
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party Executive Committee has selected Mark Critz, former Rep. John Murtha’s district director, to run foserve for the rest of the deceased Congressman’s term.
Although State Treasurer Barbara Hafer criticized the selection process and initially indicated she might run a campaign against Critz, she quickly backed off and endorsed Critz.
Republicans will decide between businessman Tim Burns and ’08 candidate Bill Russell today. Russell attracted some attention last cycle for hiring consultants BMW Direct, a Republican direct mail firm that essentially fleeces its clients.
The election for the remained of Murtha’s term will be held along with the primary for next term on May 18th.
UPDATE: Republicans selected Tim Burns as their candidate.
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Rep. DeFazio to Stay On
I’m happy to report here’s one Democratic Rep. that WON”T be retiring. Rep. Peter DeFazio filed papers for reelection on Friday in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District. DeFazio has not had a close election since he was first elected in 1986, but the district has been close in Presidential elections and would be competitive in an open seat race. DeFazio has scored 100% on the last three CLW PeacePAC voting records, so we’re glad to have him around for at least another two years.
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Missed Republican Opportunity in Arkansas
When Democratic Rep. Marion Berry announced his retirement in this Republican-leaning district, most observers assumed this would be an easy Republican pick up. Many were dismayed then when Monday’s filing deadline passed and only two obscure political novices registered to run for the Republican nomination. Though the party attempted to recruit several high profile state Sens. and Reps., all of them declined to run. A number of high profile politicians jumped in on the Democratis side, so a seat many thought lost may now be saved.
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No Go in Georgia
While we blogged that former Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed might run for an open seat in Georgia, he stated last week the he will not be a candidate for the U.S. Congress in 2010.
