GOP Rep. Sean Duffy resigning to help care for child with 'complications'

[brooklynite]

Source: Politico

Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.) will resign from Congress at the end of September, the most recent in a string of Republicans who have decided against running for re-election.

Duffy, who was elected in 2010 during a GOP wave, said he and his wife are expecting a child in late October who will "will need even more love, time, and attention due to complications, including a heart condition."

"With much prayer, I have decided that this is the right time for me to take a break from public service in order to be the support my wife, baby and family need right now," Duffy said in a statement posted to his Facebook page. "It is not an easy decision – because I truly love being your Congressman – but it is the right decision for my family, which is my first love and responsibility."

Duffy will leave Congress on Sept. 23. Duffy's district, anchored in the northern reaches of Wisconsin, has been solidly Republican in recent years. Duffy won re-election by 22 points, and Donald Trump won the district by 21 in 2016.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/story/2019/08/26/gop-rep-sean-duffy-resigning-1475243

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R+7 district.

[kimbutgar]

1. 3-2-1, I wonder what the scandal is that will erupt regarding him?

[JI7]

2. they already have like 25 kids

im guessing they are like the duggars who keep insisting on more kids even with the higher risks due to their age and other reasons.

or maybe he just wants to cash out and get a high paid lobbying job.

or probably both.

either way good riddance and hopefully we don't have to see or hear from them in public much anymore.

[riversedge]

6. This will be their 9th child.

[usaf-vet]

27. Well Sean how's that healthcare savings plan going to work out for you?

[karynnj]

33. They have a large family and your insults are inappropriate

As someone from a very happy, close family of nine, I feel that it is their choice to have the family they choose.

As the party that treats other who are different than us with respect and tolerance, your comments are pretty harsh as they face what might be a difficult time.

[JI7]

35. they are a couple of scumbags who have said and done horrible things

they are public figures who have given their shitty opinions on others.

they aren't random private couple or even one that separates private life from public.

[JI7]

37. he voted to get rid of ACA

[LiberalFighter]

3. More concerned about their own kids but not others.

[Crafty Girl]

11. Well, who isn't?

Everyone is more concerned about their own children than their neighbors' kids. Anything else would be--weird.

[Tumbulu]

13. what? I don't think so at all

and suggest you think a bit about the fact that this is Democratic Underground. Most of us care about other people's children as much if not more, than our own. I think that is one of the defining things about Democrats. We consider the community, not simply our own family.

[ChiTownDenny]

16. LOL!

[docgee]

20. Now that's funny right there.

[karynnj]

36. I personally admit I care more about my own

Do you really care more about the children of others? Do you give as much money to insure your neighbor's kids have things you buy for yours? When you right a will, will you leave your assets to your own kids or donate it to help everyone?

Yes, I vote for people who want universal health care, good education, and sufficient food, affordable housing etc. That is the quality of life I want for the community my family and I live in.

[Polybius]

38. I care about all kids, but more than my own?

Not a chance. Everyone cares for their own more. Doesn't mean you don't care for others. Family and friends first.

[hack89]

42. My kids always come first

It is my responsibility as a parent. Fortunately life is not a zero sum game so I still have the ability to improve the lives of other children.

[ChiTownDenny]

14. +1

[riversedge]

4. Duffy is a Trump parrott and is on RW TV and radio a lot. HIs district was gerrymandered

in 2010 and we have tried to get rid of him. I am glad to see him go.

I am saddened to hear his baby is having health problems. No parent or family needs that.

[Wellstone ruled]

5. Sounds like the Duffy

Household is about to experience a truly event changing future with the addition of a Special Needs Child. If this is the true reason,then we wish him all the best. Sad to say,fortunately he has the Health Insurance Coverage that will help with all those Needs.

BTW,this used to be a solid Dem District for many decades.

[gldstwmn]

22. I wonder if this will be a pick up for us?

[Mr.Bill]

7. In Wisconsin,

what's the procedure for replacing him?

[DarthDem]

10. Special Election

Although Senate vacancies are filled according to state law and can be done by gubernatorial appointment, House seats have to be filled by special elections - it's in the Constitution. However, state governors do have the authority to decide matters of timing. In the first year of any Congress, any vacancy must be filled by a special election, but in the second year (because the entire process including primaries must be followed), the state governor can opt to leave the seat vacant until the next general election. For example, if someone resigned or passed away in September of an even-numbered year, there wouldn't be time for a special election. But here, in the first year of the good Rep. Duffy's term, there is time for a special election.

I'm sorry to hear about his baby and wish the family well.

[appleannie1]

8. It must be nice to be able to afford not only the best health care but also take time off work to

help care for a needy child. It is a shame most people can't do that. Being the mother of a child that had both physical and mental challenges, I can understand how difficult that can be.

[bucolic_frolic]

9. Let me guess

He voted against family leave

[onenote]

23. When was the last vote on family leave legislation?

[sandensea]

12. While I do feel for his wife and baby, I very much doubt that was the real reason

When a suddenly-retiring GOP congressman cites "health reasons", it's usually an infidelity - of which proof of some kind emerged (these days, typically What's App messages).

All the more so in the case of a power-hungry fiend like Duffy, who was a good arguer besides. Had a future in the GOP caucus, you might say.

[BlueIdaho]

15. If his kid is sick - I wish them well.

But the “Spend more time with family” trope has just about been worn out by GOP rats deserting Washington.

[Bengus81]

31. Voted to repeal the ACA starting in 2015,voted agains pre-existing conditions coverage

Screw him and his family IMO.............

[lonely bird]

17. Do everyone a favor

And stay permanently on break from public service.

[Recursion]

18. The leadership has been trying to push him out for a couple of weeks

I'm really curious what the story is

[onenote]

24. Link?

[marble falls]

19. Of course this poor child's biggest obstacle is his parents.

[gldstwmn]

21. 47 years old and having another child is risky business.

[Polybius]

39. It's more risky for a woman

Men don't have to worry about complications from giving birth. My dad was 50.

[gldstwmn]

40. Yes that's what I meant. I should have clarified

I guess. Ostensibly it is costing him his career for the time being at least.

[titaniumsalute]

25. Lemme guess...

he got caught with his pants down OR the million dollar lobbyist contract was inked. Which one?

[Wellstone ruled]

26. This Guy was on the Koch favorites list from

day one of his Career.

[mountain grammy]

29. Maybe David left him out of the will.

[Wellstone ruled]

30. Doubt it,

watch how he treated a couple of his Stooge's in the past. Who,who who.

[onetexan]

28. another seat for Dems :)

may the party of regressives sink and die a quick death

[cp]

32. Good riddance

Duffy's a terrible representative for the 7th Congressional District in Wisconsin. I know, I live here. Wisconsin was wretchedly gerrymandered by the Repugs after the 2010 census, using a law firm paid with taxpayer money to carve up Wisconsin into "reliably Repug" districts secretly, which considerably helped useless gits like Duffy. And Grothman (contender for Stupidest Congressman award).
1) Maybe there's a scandal brewing, more likely he's a rat jumping ship.
2) Maybe he wants to run for Senator (after RoJo, also terrible) or Governor (saints preserve us).
3) Likelihood of another terrible R candidate is strong, ugh.

We had a great candidate running against him last time, Margaret Engebretson, but the gerrymandering trounced her chances.

[MissMillie]

34. I wish for good health for all involved. (n/t)

.

[obamanut2012]

41. He and his wife have been wingnuts since they were in college

And, very proudly displayed their hypocrisy and wingnutness all over The Real World. They are horrible people, and his wife is almost 50, so pregnancies are dangerous. They already have eight kids.

He not only tried to get rid of the ACA and preexisting conditions, but also voted to give himself a raise.