Harkin doesn't see 'big, huge wave' of change in 2010 congressional elections

By James Q. Lynch

Sen. Tom Harkin is advising against reading too much into House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey's decision not to seek re-election.

Obey, who had won 21 straight elections, announced earlier this week he will not run again. He is the 17

^th

Democrat to announce plans to leave Congress at the end of this session.

The Wisconsin Democrat's retirement is seen in some circles as a sign of distress in the majority party as the electorate reacts to health care reform and new spending, including bailouts of bank and car companies. It also gives Republicans confidence they can regain control of the House.

Harkin doesn't see “any massive change here in terms of Democrats' control of Congress.”

“There are lots of factors,” the Iowa Democrat said May 6. “Each decision is personal.”

Harkin called Obey a “great progressive who works very hard for education and working families.

“I'm sorry to see him go,” said Harkin, who worked closely with the Wisconsin Democrat when he served in the House.

He suspects that most of the members of Congress who have announced their retirements have previously considered leaving office. Obey indicated he had considered stepping down in 2000, but stayed on to oppose the George W. Bush administration.

“I don't think that has anything to do with a big, huge wave coming,” Harkin said about predictions Democrats are retiring rather than getting swept out of office by a Republican wave fueled by conservatives and Tea Party Activists. “I don't see that happening out there. I really don't.”

In fact, Harkin, who has served in Congress since 1974, suggested that long-timers stepping aside and making way for newcomers may be helpful.