(CNN) - Republican Rep. Tim Johnson of Illinois will not run for re-election, according to a Republican source with knowledge of the decision.
The six-term congressman, elected in 2000, represents the 15th Congressional District in the eastern part of the state, which covers Champaign-Urbana and includes parts of Normal and Bloomington.
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Johnson, who has a moderate voting record in the House, is known for holding more than 100 phone conversations per day with constituents. In 2005, he founded the Center Aisle Caucus, which bills itself as a group that aims to bring bipartisan civility to Congress.
He sits on the House Agriculture Committee, as well as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The Illinois congressman was the only House Republican to vote against the GOP’s alternative health care plan in 2009 and was one of 17 representatives in his party to oppose President George Bush’s 2007 “surge” in Iraq.
Before serving on Capitol Hill, Johnson was the deputy majority leader in the Illinois state House. He also worked as a trial lawyer and managed a small farm operation.
Johnson is the 10th House Republican announcing retirement, while eight others are running for another office.
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Good Bye..
Another moderate bites the dust...too bad.
Has he served his district well? It sounds like he has been someone who has strived for consensus which is rare in Congress now. That is ashame to lose that.
Corrupt. New bill got him scared.
Why should I bother? They all are awaiting moderation despite being quite moderate to begin with
It is increasingly difficult to be a moderate in the Republican Party, which is a real shame. Like Olympia Snowe, he will be missed.
And the gradual extinction of the moderate right continues...
good for him and good for this nation....all old thugs need to stay away from politics...cash in with public money.
one of the last moderates, God help us.
With the Tea Party rabid culture, he knows he can go past primary.