Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL) became the second Republican today, after Speaker Paul Ryan to announce that he is retiring from the House.
The Tampa Bay Times interviewed Ross:
Eight years takes its toll on you. When you feel like a stranger in your hometown, it’s time to say, ‘There’s got to be an exit strategy at some point,’ ” Ross said in an interview, noting he planned on serving 10 years, or five terms.
Ross, 58, said he wants to spend more time at home in Lakeland, with two sons getting married within the year. He cited the grind of travel to and from Washington and having to constantly raise money.
Ryan also gave the now standard Republican excuse that he wants to spend more time with his family when he announced that he would not be running for reelection.
To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily.
There are at least 43 House Republicans who have announced that they are retiring, not running for reelection, or running for a different seat. Democrats need to pick up 24 seats to take back the House.
The departures are coming from all over the country and there is one reason for them.
House Republicans are getting out before the blue wave
House Republicans are getting out before they are thrown out. Sure, there is lots of talk about what a grind being in Congress. All of those days not in session really must take a toll on a person, and how much they miss their families, but what these Republicans in large part avoid talking about is the fact that voters are angry and that collectively they have been really bad at their jobs.
Republicans have had their biggest House majority since 1928 for nearly a year and a half and they have managed to pass one major piece of legislation. One, and that bill is unpopular.
Incumbent House Republicans are choosing to get out before they are thrown out, as their mass defections are a warning that a blue wave is coming.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
