When the going gets tough, the tough get going. So Voinovich goes.

[Bucky]

Typical Republican: He says "Not since the Great Depression and the Second World War have we been confronted with such challenges, as a nation and as a world." And, given all these horrendous challenges facing us, he quits. Real patriotic there.

Another blow for Republicans as senator announces retirement
http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Another_blow_for_Republicans_as_sen_01122009.html

The beleaguered US Republican Party, reeling from big losses to Democrats and about to relinquish the White House, took another blow on Monday, when a key Ohio senator announced his retirement.

Veteran Senator George Voinovich said he would not run for a third term when his seat comes up for reelection in 2010, leaving Republicans another tricky race in a state which voted for Democrat Barack Obama for president.

Given the fierce challenges facing the United States, including the deep economic crisis, Voinovich said he could best serve his state by devoting himself to the Senate rather than campaigning and fundraising.

"In my lifetime of public service, I have never seen the country in such perilous circumstances, Voinovich said in a statement.

"Not since the Great Depression and the Second World War have we been confronted with such challenges, as a nation and as a world.

"These next two years in office, for me, will be the most important years that I have served in my entire political career," said Voinovich, a former mayor of Cleveland and Governor of Ohio.

[liberal N proud]

1. Will Ohio have 2 Democratic Senators?

We will do our part to try and make that happen here.

[bigtree]

2. he's 71

I'm happy he's leaving to spend more time with his family. Good choice.

[Bucky]

3. Spend time with his family: Yeah, good. I wonder if he consulted his family about that.