Jim McDermott to Announce Retirement after 14 Terms

[brooklynite]

Source: Roll Call

Fourteen-term Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., is expected to announce his retirement Monday, sources confirmed to Roll Call.

First elected to Congress in 1988, the 79-year-old has been a liberal leader in the House for 26 years, championing single payer health insurance and voting against the Iraq War.

...snip

McDermott won his last general election with 80 percent of the vote, but he had already attracted one primary challenger in his safe Democratic 7th District before the holiday recess. State Rep. Brady Walkinshaw announced his candidacy in early December, promising to be the “region’s next progressive leader.”

Read more: http://atr.rollcall.com/jim-mcdermott-announce-retirement-14-terms/?dcz=lunchbreak

[KT2000]

1. this is a big loss

I can see at his age he would like to retire but liberals will miss him.

[The Blue Flower]

2. I really hate to see him go

A great human being who stood up for his values and our well being.

[BlueMTexpat]

3. Really sorry to see this.

McDermott has always been one of the "good" guys.

[2naSalit]

4. Sad for us but good for him

he is a champion of the people and I will miss him, hope whomever holds his seat in the future can be like him and will act under the same standards.

[silvershadow]

5. Dammit man. nt

[forest444]

6. He put up with a lot, and certainly deserves his rest.

The worst, of course, was that bullshit ruling in 2007 awarding Bonehead $900k in legal fees at McDermott's expense for doing something Rapepublicans do all the live long day: leak confidential Congressional dirt (and very deservedly so, since it helped expose Gingrich for the lying hypocrite he is).

Here's to you, Jim McDermott.

[BBG]

7. WA-7 Represents

We can be counted on to send another liberal representative to congress. This IS Seattle, damn it.

God speed Jim, you outlasted Boehner.

[DebbieCDC]

8. My congressman - what a great guy

I have to wonder if because a D state rep announced earlier this year that he would challenge Jim for the nomination that might have been the deciding factor to push him to retirement? I'm sure our district will elect another good liberal, but losing someone with Jim's seniority and knowledge of the workings of the House will nonetheless be a blow.

[swilton]

9. A great loss

McDermott is also a peace activist, member of Veterans for Peace, and an advocate for veterans.

[Agnosticsherbet]

10. He will be missed.

I look forward to another strong, liberal Democrat to take his seat.

[lordsummerisle]

11. A great progressive voice

he'll be a tough act to follow...

[yurbud]

12. he was one who told the truth during the Bush years

[Coventina]

13. Ah, jeez....but the guy has earned it.

Thanks for your service!!

[jmondine]

14. He is my rep...

Will be sorry to see him go. Hope we can find a solid progressive to take his seat.

[freshwest]

15. I am sorry that he is going, but he needs a few years to live his own life. I doubt that whoever

McDermott will be replaced with will have the huge heart he had for people. Just is not in the cards. Many a day I have been grateful for his words to advocates. Things will be less humane without his voice and his experience, but moreso his heart.

[suffragette]

16. Well said and I agree completely

Will miss having him as my representative, but wish him well in his new endeavors.