http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/us/politics/18cong.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
A rash of retirements among House Republicans is adding to the party’s electoral challenges and raising questions about a rush for the exits.
Representative J. Dennis Hastert, with an aide, after announcing Friday in Yorkville, Ill., that he would not run for re-election.
Retirement Watch
Four House Republicans — Representatives J. Dennis Hastert and Ray LaHood, both of Illinois; Deborah Pryce of Ohio; and Charles W. Pickering Jr. of Mississippi — have all announced in recent days that they will not seek re-election next year, worrying Republican leaders anxious to hold back a potential wave of retirements after the loss of their majority in 2006. Mr. Hastert, the former speaker, Mr. LaHood and Ms. Pryce were all well-liked leaders within their party.
“I think our party’s chances for winning the majority back next time are pretty bleak at the moment,” Mr. LaHood said in an interview, “and I will admit to you that being in the minority is less fun.”