Barney Frank to retire from Congress

AP

Updated at 11:41 a.m. ET

Longtime Democratic Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts plans to retire after his term expires at the end of next year.

The 16-term congressman plans to announce his decision not to run for re-election in 2012 at a press conference in Newton, Massachusetts at 1 p.m. ET today.

Frank first took office in Massachusetts' 4th congressional district in 1981 and served as chairman of the House Financial Services committee from 2007 to 2011, during which time he spearheaded work on the landmark Dodd-Frank financial regulation legislation, which rewrote the rules for Wall Street after the 2008 financial crisis.

Frank, considered the most prominent gay politician in the United States, is known as an outspoken liberal with a sharp tongue. His liberal positions have made him a target of conservatives, particularly after the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act.

The congressman faced one of his toughest re-election bids in 2010, when conservative groups made significant investments to back his challenger, Republican Sean Bielat. Frank defeated Bielat, 53 percent to 43 percent.

He faced a potentially more difficult race in 2012, now that the 4th district has been redrawn to include more conservative towns. Frank had raised just over $760,000 for his next campaign.

[stn_sage]

I wish he'd talk to the other senators about retirement!
Nothing could be better for the citizenry and the country,
than if the whole Senate retired en masse!
But we could never get THAT lucky!

[pokey5735]

He should go straight to jail. Him and the rest of his corrupt friends who are determined to destroy this country!

[blindddhorse]

My wife and i were looking into building a home.We had the plans make up ( cost $3000.00) got the soil samples ( $2500.00) more.Had an asbestos check to rip down the ole home ( $1200.00 ).Wanted to build green just like the Chosein Ones wish us to do.Got approved for the loan.Went to the county ( more CHOSEIN ONES)to get the permits and was burned again.After all the CHOSEIN ONES got our money we decided against it.
I just want to personally thank you Mr.Frank for all the hard work you have done.You and Your other rapist have managed to screw things up so bad it is imposable to ever get ahead.How many homes do you have Mr.Frank?I have come to the point were this right wing and left wing CRAP is no more then a joke.I just want them out of my pocket ALL OF THEM.

[blindddhorse]

Just another liberal,name calling on the net makes you feel safe.To my face you would shake in your shoes.if i chsoe i wil spill evary wod i tye wrog jus to helpt yoou wih ur slef asteam

[blindddhorse]

I wish the whole crowd would leave with him ALL OF THEM.

[doneinone]

So Barney's seat is wide open?

[ajvw]

Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA): I think it is clear that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are sufficiently secure so they are in no great danger... I don't think we face a crisis; I don't think that we have an impending disaster. ...Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do very good work, and they are not endangering the fiscal health of this country.

[JavMD]

the most ignorant comment: READ MORE ! Fannie Mae had to be bailed out you idiot ! It cost the taxpayers BILLIONS ! It wasn't that long ago !

HELP US LORD

[JavMD]

oh... was that a 'quote' from Barney FIFE? (recommend placing in QUOTES next time. My bad, I apoligize,

GREAT RESEARCH.. showing Barney INcompetence !

[rightbehind]

You've been a good champion for the people Barney. You will be missed.

[pbaird2]

As usual, this has become a medium for Gay-bashing rather than a discussion of facts. So sad these mental midgets fear what they do not understand and rely only upon what some commentator tells them or they read on some amatuer blog. Amazing some never out-grow their childish methods of debate used in school by name-calling and innuendo.

[involved_indi]

your entire post is name calling....

[dantom39]

Maybe he got that aid he has applied for.

[payback108]

Good bye tou fat----------- now lets hope obozo the clown go's with him

[johndevinejr]

Typical comment by a moron conservative.