Baucus's Retirement Could Help Democrats

[Purveyor]

By Albert R. Hunt Apr 23, 2013 11:08 AM ET

Max Baucus of Montana may be giving some good news to Senate Democratic leaders and the White House.

According to reports, the Senate Finance Committee chairman has decided not to seek a seventh term in 2014. Baucus hasn't always been a reliable vote for Democratic leaders as he sought re-election in his Republican-leaning state. Most recently, Baucus was one of four Democrats to vote against background checks for gun purchases, helping Republicans kill the measure.

The senator also frequently frustrated his fellow Democrats on tax and health-care issues, beginning with the prescription-drug benefit for the elderly that was enacted under President George W. Bush.

Under normal circumstances, the retirement of a senior Democrat in a red state lessens the chances of that party retaining the seat. But the popular former Democratic governor, Brian Schweitzer, would probably be a stronger candidate for the Senate seat than Baucus.

Moreover, without the worries about re-election, Baucus might be more supportive of Democratic leaders on fiscal issues, immigration and gun-control legislation.

MORE...

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-23/baucus-s-retirement-could-help-democrats.html

[Recursion]

1. Only if Schweitzer runs

But word is he's looking at a Presidential run in 2016.

If he doesn't run this is a disaster in the level of Bayh's dick-move retirement.

[femmocrat]

2. If he was planning to retire, why the no vote?

Not that it would have made a difference, but he certainly had nothing to lose.

[Eleanors38]

5. Gun politics is like horse shoes & hand grenades: just get close...

For years Democrats have warned other Democrats not to take up the "cause" of gun-control lest they harm Democrats who are in a less safe situation (purple districts, not retiring). Obviously, DiFi of Cali could give a damn, and is largely responsible for sinking the expanded b.g. Check legislation, so Baucus could be seen as doing Demos a favor.

[BlueCaliDem]

3. Montana has a Democratic Governor and two Democratic Senators.

How is it a Republican-leaning state?

[Socal31]

6. Remember......

In order to have a chance at national politics in this country, you have to choose one of those labels the vast majority of the time.

I think it is pretty safe to say that "Democrat" means something different in Marin County, CA and Montana.

[choie]

4. it will certainly help most Americans...

n/t