This is undoubtedly the most painful retirement yet for the Dems.
Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., is the first Senate Democrat to announce his retirement going into the 2010 midterms, and his decision is a serious blow to Democrats’ chances of holding the seat. Dorgan, a staunch economic populist, has represented North Dakota in Congress since 1981 — for twelve years as its lone House member, and 18 years in the Senate.
Gov. John Hoeven (R) is wildly popular in the state. If he decides to run, this seat is as good as gone for the Dems (barring an unforeseen scandal). If Hoeven decides against jumping into the race, Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D) would make a strong a candidate.
Matthew Spieler
Matthew Spieler is a former policy analyst for Congressional Quarterly, where he covered health care, education, labor, and veterans’ affairs. A graduate of The George Washington University, he has also worked as a reporter for CQ covering ...
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2010 midterm elections, byron dorgan, nd-sen., retirement watch
