Washington (CNN) - Massachusetts congressman Barney Frank, a prominent 16-term liberal Democrat and arch-enemy of political conservatives nationwide, will announce Monday he does not intend to seek re-election in 2012, according to a statement from Frank's office.
Frank, 71, will hold a news conference in his district to discuss the decision at 1 p.m.
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He is as close to a "crook" in D.C. as any that "walk the hallowed halls". He was an instrumental factor in the housing meltdown, even though as a committee chair, he was warned by several experts at least a year before it collapsed. Why he chose to ignore the warnings is up for debate, but I have my suspicions (and they are money-related).
I wonder what they got on him? It must really be something.
Just another rat, abandoning a sinking ship. The handwriting is upon the wall, and ol' Bawney is cashing in his chips. After all, being a highly-paid consultant/lobbyist isn't a elected position, something even he hasn't the hubris to presume is something he will be able to secure next year. =^[.]^=
What gets me is that we have to pay him for the rest of his life. No president or Congress member should receive retirement pay. Those jobs were not meant to be careers. It's especially galling that you don't have to serve that long before you get this lifetime paycheck. Getting elected is like hitting the lottery.
One could only hope that Barney is at the head of a conga line heading out the back door of Congress. Hopefully the rest of the usual suspects will grab him by the hips and follow him. If it will help I will hold the door and play the maracas...
At LAST PROGRESS!! Along with Chris Dodd they both should be in prison for the Freddie and Fanny Mess and the Dodd Frank Bill that still makes it impossible for small banks to lend to anyone besides Donald Trump.
I am so sorry that Barney Frank won't be seeking reelection. You are one of only a few in our government with a brain AND a soul who has been an advocate for the American people. You will be missed and the country will suffer even more by your absence.
Linda Rice, Stone Mountain, GA
We may never know, but I would bet that Barney is involved in some financial scandal (insider trading, special mortgage rates, etc.) and the established politicians have agreed to keep it under the table if Barney agrees not to run again. His ego is too large to just quit. The Dems don't want a huge scandal at election time and the Repubs want a chance to grab his seat, (pun intended). I would also bet that Barney is not the only one involved.
I'll bet you he didn't even know 32 years ago when he came to office, that he would be able to do so much damage to our society. The man must be so proud.
Amen to term limits.President One 6 Year term,Senator 2,4 year terms, House 4 two year terms.Long over due.
Barney has been a strong and dedicated advocate for the PEOPLE, not just in his district, but for all of us across the nation. He stands up for what is right, what is fair, and what is just. He fights for We the People in all he does and calls out those who betray us – like the entire Republican Party these days. I am sorry to see him go but with this corrupt Republican environment of hate, lies, and obstructionism I would be ready to pass the torch to someone ready to start the fight against these worthless anti-People Republicans too.
Thank you Santa!!! Best present EVER!!!
One down, 534 to go.
Expect to see a lot of this as Dems are seeing another avalanche of defeat coming their way in 2012.
good riddance!
Let's hope the next announcement concerns an indictment with his name on it.
Please don't let him be a lobbyist now. Money, money, money, moneeee.
Had we kept the federal government as weak as the founders wanted, we wouldn't have to worry abut how many terms a congressman held office.
And of course, he will be able to keep all of the campaign contributions in his war chest. Another, dishonest,sleazy thing politicians on both sides of the aisle have signed off on.
Hope he takes Chris Dodd with him!!
Time for the happy-happy-joy-joy dance! Don't let the door hit you on the way out Barn....
Thank God. He has done enough damage.
I'm sure he has a nightcap all set up for himself. Probably already has his successor picked out and in his pocket.
Good riddance! But the catastrophic damage has been done!
Christmas came early this year!