Arkansas GOP Congressman won't seek re-election in 2014
(CNN) - Rep. Tim Griffin, R-Arkansas, announced Monday he will not seek a third term next year.
The Congressman said in a statement he wants to spend more time with his family.
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"It has been an agonizing and difficult decision involving much prayer, thought and discussion," he said. "We have decided that now is the time for me to focus intently on my top priority, my family, as Elizabeth and I raise our two young children."
Talk Business Arkansas first reported Griffin's decision.
He said he will continue serving as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve and told Talk Business Arkansas he wanted to make his decision "sooner rather than later" to give other Republican candidates more time to set up a campaign.
Elected in 2010, Griffin serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. Before news of his retirement, two of the top non-partisan political handicappers–Stuart Rothenberg and Charlie Cook–considered his district safe for Republicans.
Griffin easily won re-election by double digits in 2012. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney also won the district in last year's election over President Barack Obama, 55% to 43%.
"This is a conservative district and I think we'll keep this seat quite easily," Griffin said Monday morning in a radio interview on the "Alice Stewart Show."
The National Republican Congressional Committee, where Griffin served as vice chairman for communications and strategy, said Griffin has been a "superb and dedicated" Congressman.
"While we will all miss him tremendously, I wish Tim and his family the very best and look forward to electing a Republican from Arkansas's 2nd District to fill his shoes and carry on his work," NRCC Chairman Greg Walden, R-Oregon, said in a statement.
Fellow Republican Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas also quickly released a statement of support Monday morning.
"I will certainly miss having him as a part of the Arkansas delegation. At the same time, I know the impact this job can have on a family, understand the desire to be closer to one's young children, and respect his decision," the statement read. "I will continue to support my friend and colleague as he sets out on a new journey."
- CNN's Dan Merica and John King contributed to this report.
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He wants to spend more time with his superpacs money, I mean family
Will his cousin Peter Griffin move from Rhode Island to campaign for the seat? No doubt he would be brighter.
He wants to spend more time with his family? Seeing how the 113th Congress spends the least days in session of any other before now, what business does he have working in the Congress in the first place?
I'd like to know what his 4 years of "service" entitles him to in the way of 1.) RETIREMENT ICOME and, 2) HEALTHCARE BENEFITS. I certainly hope he doesnm't get a gold-_plated, lifetime policy for this. The rest of us don't.
This appears to be about a sick family member, but in this life I've grown understandably cynical. I'd like a follow-up on this guy to see what his new payday job is. Arkansas? - I'm expecting a sinecure in either the Ag or Retail lobby.
Jumping ship is he?
No doubt another GOPer will win this District ... yes, CNN?
After all we ARE talking a very red district in a very red state.
The Congressman said in a statement he wants to spend more time with his family.
This is usually code for someone who knows they are in big trouble and they want to get out ahead of an investigation into wrongdoing or a story which is about to break. I have real doubts he is leaving for the reason given .
A Kickin' Donkey
I'd like to know what his 4 years of "service" entitles him to in the way of 1.) RETIREMENT ICOME and, 2) HEALTHCARE BENEFITS. I certainly hope he doesnm't get a gold-_plated, lifetime policy for this. The rest of us don't.
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1. Nothing.
2. None.
You need at least 6 years in congress to get either one. Try Google.
From the article:
The Congressman said in a statement he wants to spend more time with his family.
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Translation: Something really damning is out there, and mr. griffin has been advised that unless he resigns to "spend more time with his family" that info will be released and his family will desert him.