Sen. Jon Kyl to announce retirement from Senate

[jaxx]

Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl will announce Thursday that he is not running for reelection in 2012.

The second-ranking Republican in the Senate is expected to make the announcement at 12 p.m. ET from his home state of Arizona.

A source close to the senator confirms to POLITICO that Kyl has decided not to run for a fourth term. His departure opens up a major GOP leadership slot.

<..> Kyl becomes the fifth senator and second Republican to retire ahead of the 2012 cycle.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/021...z1DZeuuJZl

[azmouse]

Party at my house!

[Arkana]

Anyone think that his seat is a prime pickup opportunity?

[Willinois]

(02-10-2011 11:05 AM)Arkana Wrote:  Anyone think that his seat is a prime pickup opportunity?

Absolutely. McCain only won 54% against Obama in '08. If Democrats unite around a strong candidate and Republicans have an ugly primary it could happen.

[Cha]

(02-10-2011 11:05 AM)Arkana Wrote:  Anyone think that his seat is a prime pickup opportunity?

Thanks for this, az.. I wonder if Rodney Glassman will run again?

[azmouse]

(02-10-2011 05:08 PM)Cha Wrote:  

(02-10-2011 11:05 AM)Arkana Wrote:  Anyone think that his seat is a prime pickup opportunity?

Thanks for this, az.. I wonder if Rodney Glassman will run again?

I haven't seen Glassman's name mentioned anywhere yet but I'm sure there is plenty of time. Guess it will depend on whether he thinks he can raise enough money for another run.

[azmouse]

I guess anything is possible but I don't have high hopes right now of a Dem picking up this seat.

Quote:Word of an open Senate seat in Arizona, which has not seen a Senate vacancy since Sen. Dennis DeConcini declined to seek re-election in 1994, will stir a frenzy of interest from potential candidates in both parties. U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., last week told The Republic that he is interesting in running if Kyl does not. Former U.S. Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz., also has said that he might consider a Senate run.

Other possible Republican contenders mentioned by GOP insiders include U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, former U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth, former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods, former state Treasurer Dean Martin and Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. On the Democratic side, Napolitano, who is now Obama's Homeland Security secretary; former Arizona Democratic Party chairman Jim Pederson; and 2010 state attorney general nominee Felecia Rotellini have been mentioned as possibilities. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., frequently was mentioned as a possible, perhaps even likely, Senate candidate prior to a Jan. 8 assassination attempt near Tucson that left her seriously injured.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/a...z1DZrlgCKl

[There Is No Spoon]

Good. Kyl was a real dick head. I hope we have a chance at a pickup here...

[Julie]

This is awesome news! Whether we are able to pick it up or not, it is an open seat and the Rs will have to spend a whole lot more dough on that race than if Kyl ran again. Its all the thinner they'll have to spread themselves.

Throw in the fact this guy is terrible and this is juat all kinds of good news!

Cheers all!

Julie

[janedrake]

He won't be missed. Glad to see the back of him.