Another Dem announces House retirement
Washington (CNN)-Veteran Michigan Rep. Dale Kildee announced his retirement from the House Friday, adding to the tally of open seats that Democrats will have to defend in 2012.
Kildee served the 5th Congressional District in Michigan for 18 terms, but expressed confidence that his departure wouldn't result in a turnover.
"After careful consideration, I have decided to retire," he said in a written statement. "Now that the new congressional maps have been approved by the Michigan State Legislature, I am confident that the 5th district will remain in Democratic hands."
House Minority Leader Pelosi announced a "Drive for 25" campaign in January, designed to recapture the House majority from Republicans in 2012 and gain 25 seats in the chamber.
Kildee's decision to remain seated until the end of his term leaves his seat open for the next election, but his district, which includes Flint, Michigan, is heavily Democratic and not expected to be competitive.
Kildee, who will be 82 in September, said he would have won if he'd run for re-election but was following a greater desire to "to enjoy more time with my wife, three children and ten grandchildren."
"After 36 years in Congress it is time to retire," he said.
CNN's Kate Bolduan contributed to this report.
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Kildee served the 5th Congressional District in Michigan for 18 terms, but expressed confidence that his departure wouldn't result in a turnover.
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16 terms too late! If Michigan EVER hopes to get back on track, they'll need to change their voting to support Republican candidates. Obama and the Democrats have nearly destroyed the state.
Thank you for your service to our Country Congressman Kildee.
@Democrat Class Warfare & Race Baiting: Get a life and stay off the blogs. Why don't you run for elected office you seem to have all the answers.
More incentive for term limits.
Republicans will try to steal it just like they will try stealing the 2012 election, again.
Thank Mr. for your service to our country. We need more ...to follow your lead.
DCW, you are so clueless you probably can't even spell your name correctly. Michigan is bouncing back BECAUSE of our current administration. The ignorant corporatist cultists currently running the state have pretty much put voters off voting for another GOBPbagger for another decade at least.
There is something wrong with our political system if this guy can stay in office for 36 years
@Democrat Class Warfare & Race Baiting: Get a life and stay off the blogs. Why don't you run for elected office you seem to have all the answers.
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No thanks... then liberals like you would lie even more than you already do. I'm hear to lay down the cold hard facts and truth. Why do you liberals alway try to silence opposing points of view?
I wouldn't run for office because I'd have to deal with people like you, that want government to do everything for them and want somebody else to pay for it. You wouldn't liek it when I'd tell YOU to get a life... and a JOB!