The Republican Party has been bleeding lawmakers at an alarming rate. Many of them are the more members of the GOP willing to work across party lines, which makes their loss even more distressing. Yet, it is understandable with the Republican Party morphing into far, far-right hardliners. Some have even said the GOP is dead. Now, there is only the Donald Trump Party. Here is the latest loss.
Representative Peter King (R-NY) was the latest of twenty House legislators who have announced their retirement. King said he was retiring after 14 terms in the House. The 75-year-old has blamed his retirement on the weekly commute. King released a statement that read:
‘I have decided not to be a candidate for re-election to Congress in 2020. I made this decision after much discussion with my wife Rosemary; my son Sean; and my daughter Erin. The prime reason for my decision was that after 28 years of spending 4 days a week in Washington, D.C., it is time to end the weekly commute and be home in Seaford.’
Then, King said he wanted to spend more time with his family, which has been a familiar escape line for those who have not found legislating to be productive or fun any longer:
‘This was not an easy decision. But there is a season for everything and Rosemary and I decided that, especially since we are both in good health, it is time to have the flexibility to spend more time with our children and grandchildren. My daughter’s recent move to North Carolina certainly accelerated my thinking.’
King said that he intended to continue to “be active politically:”
‘My time in Congress has been an extraordinary experience – an experience I wouldn’t have even dared imagine when I was a kid growing up in Sunnyside or a college student loading and unloading trucks and freight cars at Manhattan’s West Side Railway Terminal. I intend to remain in Seaford, be active politically and look forward to seeing what opportunities and challenges await me in this next chapter of a very fortunate life.’
The New York representative said he would miss the “energy and dynamism of a re-election campaign.” Then, he looked back at his accomplishments while in office:
‘Governmentally I will miss fighting for the people of my district and America and will always be proud of my efforts for 9/11 victims and their families; protecting our citizens from terrorism and MS-13; leading the successful effort to recover from Superstorm Sandy.’
He continued with his many accomplishments:
‘being consistently cited for bipartisanship; working with President Clinton to achieve the Good Friday Agreement and end centuries of warfare in Ireland and Northern Ireland; and standing with the brave men and women of law Enforcement. In the coming weeks and during the next year I intend to vote against President Trump ‘s impeachment and will support the President’s bid for re-election.’
Then, King brought his announcement home to the residents of the 2nd Congressional District. “It’s been a great run! Thanks:”
‘Most importantly I want to thank the residents of the 2nd Congressional District for giving me the opportunity to represent them in Washington, D.C. I will complete my term of office and continue to work hard for these constituents all the way to the final bell of the final round on Dec. 31, 2020.’
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.
