Sen. Byron Dorgan Won't Seek New Term

North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan says he will not seek re-election to the Senate in 2010, a surprise announcement that could give Republicans an opportunity to pick up a seat from the Republican-leaning state.

Dorgan, who was first elected to the Senate in 1992 after serving a dozen years in the U.S. House, said he reached the decision after discussing his future with family over the holidays.

The moderate Democrat said he has other interests he wants to pursue.

"Let me be clear that this decision does not relate to any dissatisfaction that I have about serving in the Senate," he said in a statement. "Yes, I wish there was less rancor and more bipartisanship in the U.S. Senate these days. But still, it is a great privilege to serve and I have the utmost respect for all of the men and women with whom I serve."

Republican Gov. John Hoeven has been mulling a possible challenge to Dorgan and the veteran lawmaker's retirement could clear the path for the popular governor. Democratic Rep. Earl Pomeroy could be interested in seeking the seat.

Dorgan was going to face a stiff challenge from Hoeven, according to CBS News' Chief Political Consultant Marc Ambinder.

"Hoeven will now almost certainly run; it's hard not to assume that, absent a stellar candidate, Republicans will pick up this Senate seat," he said.

[love2ridend]

I vote Republican but voted for Dorgan. Would not have this election he sealed his political fate by voting yes for health care. He became a sheep for Obama and not a leader for North Dakota

[libftw]

Also looks like Dodd is giving it up. Two Senators and one Governor in one day. Rough one for the Democrats. I don't think they will totally lose either house this fall, but the margins will be a lot tighter and the far left will be done calling the shots for now. Reid will be gone anyway. Then we'll see if Obama will emulate Clinton and work with the Republicans. Interesting times ahead.

[wdh3007]

They know it's over in ten months anyway and that's not long enough to make a difference.

[markj2]

Gee another Senator who has seen the light and whats on the horizon. Lets just hope more decide to follow suit and bail on this attempted take over of Congress by progressive liberal lonnies, such as Nancy Polosi and Harry Ried. I think alot more will realize they really don't like Obama's effort to fundamently change America, or maybe the wife and family back home are raising hell with them for following these Fools. They probably also know that they aren't going to be included in the finaly efforts to combine both the Senate & House versions of the Health care Bill.

[crowtrob]

ummmm, yet another glenn beck disciple who doesn't know how to do basic research. there are now 3 dem and 6 rep senators retiring in 2010. there are now 10 dem and 14 rep congressmen retiring. thats a total of 20 rep to 13 dem for you anti-science/math types. that means in each chamber, the dems have the lead and fewer of them are retiring. that gives them an even better chance to keep both chambers.

but i'm sure you've never let facts enter into your argument. just like glenn and rush

[retm-w]

With the dem I see running for a retiring republican senator in my state. There is no way I could vote for that idiot, he's run for everything except dogcatcher and never won. I wouldn't even vote for him for dogcatcher.

[gboyd41]

YES! I think he see's the writing on the wall.