North Dakota Democrat Conrad to Retire from Senate in 2012

Democrat Senators in Red State America especially in the very center of Red State America from Texas to North Dakota are thinking their chances of winning in 2012 have become somewhat diminished as both Dakotas joined the Red States of our center core in 2010 to elect Republican House and Senate members. In North Dakota, Republicans won big:

Republicans swept all state offices, increased their majority in the Legislature and took two of North Dakota’s three spots in Congress.  Republicans swept all state offices, increased their majority in the Legislature and took two of North Dakota’s three spots in Congress.

When you see that one little blurb, you know what is in store for Conrad in 2012 -- think most anyone could see the handwriting on the wall for any Democrat in North Dakota.

Will Ben Nelson of NE be next to announce his retirement or a switch to the GOP?  His vote for Obamacare alienated a large portion of Nebraska voters.

Going to be an interesting two years as Democrats have many more Senate seats to defend this time and every one of them will be challenged by Senator Cornyn and the NRSC.

Democrat Conrad to Retire from Senate in 2012Tuesday, 18 Jan 2011 12:25 PM

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic Senator Kent Conrad, who has led efforts to get the U.S. budget under control, said Tuesday that he will not run for re-election in 2012, a decision that helps Republican efforts to win control of the Senate after a strong showing in 2010.

Conrad's warnings about the United States' fiscal woes led to a presidential commission that recommended spending caps and a revamped tax code last year in order to head off a Greek-style debt crisis.

The commission's plan could form the basis for deficit-reduction efforts in Congress as lawmakers seek to bring down shortfalls that have reached 9 percent of GDP in recent years.

"It is more important I spend my time and energy trying to solve these problems than to be distracted by a campaign for re-election," the North Dakota Democrat said in a prepared statement.

As chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Conrad will play a crucial role in the looming battle over federal spending.

Republicans who control the House of Representatives are pushing for deep cuts to domestic programs, but the Democratic-controlled Senate is unlikely to go along. The two chambers will have to agree on a spending plan by March to avoid a government shutdown.

Conrad, 62, has amassed a moderate voting record since he was first elected to the Senate in 1986. He likely would have faced a tough re-election fight in his rural state. Fellow North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan retired last year ahead of a tough re-election. Republican John Hoeven easily won the seat.

Republicans need to pick up four seats in 2012 to win control of the 100-seat Senate.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee, which is leading that effort, said Conrad's seat is one of their best opportunities.

(Reporting by Andy Sullivan; editing by Stacey Joyce)

Source: Reuters