Ohio Republican Rep. Ralph Regula Announces Retirement

[L. Coyote]

Ohio Republican Rep. Ralph Regula Announces Retirement
October 12, 2007
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,301483,00.html

COLUMBUS, Ohio — U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula on Friday announced he will retire at the end of his term in January 2009, capping a 36-year congressional career.

"Today's decision to not seek re-election has been a difficult one for me. I am blessed with great health and still come to work every day committed to working hard on behalf of the people of Ohio's 16th Congressional District and to making a difference for our nation," Regula, 82, said in a statement released by his office.

"However, I have several goals that I would like to achieve following my service in Congress, and I believe that now is the time to begin these new opportunities..........."

His retirement sets up a tough election for Republicans to keep the seat, Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett said.

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[RufusEarl]

1. I don't know this old timer,

but hell an least he's not stepping down to spend more time with his family. At 82 he still has things he wants to do, that's pretty cool. Don't get me wrong i'm glad he leaving, but damn 36 years in congress and still has a spark. A dem should pick up that seat fairly easy, even the Ohio GOP is worried.

Peace!

[OzarkDem]

2. He's very influential and very GOP

Regula is one of the top dogs on the House Appropriations Committee, a long time favorite of lobbyists and resident of the Gucci Gulch on Capitol Hill.

He's being challenged by Dem John Boccieri, friend of Congressman Tim Ryan, a pilot in the Air Force Reserves and current member of the Ohio House of Representatives.

Killer combination that Regula can't beat. Sadly, though Regula was one of the top 5 or 10 most influential people in US government for managing federal money, he didn't do squat for Ohio.

Voters eventually got wise to that fact as the Ohio news media tired of shilling for GOP'ers who continued to drain the life blood out of the state.

[RufusEarl]

3. Thanks for the bio on Regula,

really glad to see him going.

Peace!

[SoCalDem]

4. Suckling off the government teat for 36 years.. long enough !! Buh-byee

Give someone new a shot at it :)

[OzarkDem]

5. Thank Gov. Howard Dean

if it weren't for the 50 state strategy, Ohio Dems didn't have a prayer to raise the money to field serious challengers to these guys.

Thank you, Gov. Dean.