Rep. Dicks will not seek re-election
(CNN) – Longtime Democratic Rep. Norm Dicks of Washington announced Friday he plans to retire after completing his current term in the House.
"The privilege of serving in the House of Representatives, with the endorsement of the voters every two years, is indeed an honor unlike no other profession in our country," Dicks said in a statement.
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Now in his 18th term, Dicks represents Washington's 6th Congressional District, which includes parts of Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor Mason and Kitsap counties.
He's known as one of the most senior House Democrats and a top member on the Appropriations Committee.
In his statement, the congressman cited no reason for stepping down other than a "decision to change gears and enjoy life at a different pace" with his wife, Suzie.
Dicks joins 12 House Democrats who have announced retirement, in addition to eight others leaving office to run for another seat.
"I am proud that many of these friendships have crossed the ideological and party lines that tend to separate us, and I have always believed that we can achieve greater results if we leave politics aside when the election season and the floor debates are over," he said.
Responding to the announcement, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington released a statement, describing Dicks as a "Washington state institution."
“To me, more than anything, Norm is the guy who loves Washington state more than life, who would do anything to defend it, and who works everyone to the bone to make sure the families he represents are taken care of. And he doesn’t just fight hard—he wins."
- CNN Senior Congressional Producer Deirdre Walsh contributed to the report.
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Now in his 18th term
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Yeah, after THIRTY SIX YEARS there running the country into bankruptcy, I'd say it was time to get a real job and stop wrecking the country. GOOD RIDDANCE!
Dicks joins 12 House Democrats who have announced retirement, in addition to eight others leaving office to run for another seat.
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This is really starting to get pretty high now. 20 out of 170 something? We can only hope Pelosi sees the Democrat slaughter approaching and quits as well. Bu thtis assumes she has a functioning brain and we all know that is not the case.
Did anyone else read the "Rep." as Republican? "Republican Dicks will not seek re-election" would have made my day.
After reading the 'headline' – I though 99% of Republicans would not be running again.........
Another Democrat jumping ship and getting out early before he's voted out.
Now that Congress is prohibiting insider trading amongst its own members, it is no longer lucrative enough for him.
Washington is a safely blue state. His seat will stay with the Dems.
Bill in Florida - Washington is a safely blue state. His seat will stay with the Dems
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Isn't that exactly what they said about Ted Kennedy's seat in Massachusetts?! The times, they are a changin'.... The American people are finally waking up.