Reply #7: I doubt that he needs the money...

[LeftishBrit]

Especially as all former senators get a very good pension deal, as I understand it.

He's doing it because he likes the power and because he believes in himself.

Anyway, if he took early retirement wouldn't the Republican governor appoint a Republican successor (this had come up before when it seemed possible that he'd replace Rumsfeld)?

Also, why just him, and not the 49 Republicans? And no doubt once it was attempted the Republicans would also try to see if they could pay off some of the Democratic senators.