Jane Harman Expected to Resign from Congress

Longtime California Democrat Jane Harman, a leading voice on intelligence and foreign policy issues, is expected to step down from her seat in Congress to become the next head of the Woodrow Wilson International Center, her office confirmed to CBS News today.

Harman is expected to officially receive an offer from the nonpartisan group tomorrow, according to her chief of staff John Hess. She sent an e-mail to her constituents today informing them of the move.

"I send this note because a decision is imminent and I wanted you to hear the news from me first," Harman wrote. "This is an excruciating decision because the distinction of representing the smartest constituents on earth will never be surpassed nor will my relationships with my exceptional staff and colleagues in Congress. But shaping and leading the Wilson Center is a thrilling new challenge."

Harman wrote that she will "remain in Congress for some weeks." Her departure should trigger a special election in her suburban Los Angeles district. Harman was first elected to Congress in 1992 and is a member of the moderate Blue Dog Democrat caucus.

"I have always believed that the best solutions to tough problems require a bipartisan approach," Harman wrote in her e-mail today. "And bipartisanship is the center's brand."