Congressional Retirements: Reality v MSM

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) is retiring. So is Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.). The media puts out a hasty "Democrats dropping like flies" meme.

Fair? Objective? Nope. Steve Benen points out:

"In the House, 14 GOP incumbents have decided not to seek re-election, while 10 Democratic incumbents have made the same announcement. Does this mean Republicans are "dropping like flies"?

In the Senate, six Republican incumbents have decided not to seek re-election, while two Democratic incumbents have made the same announcement. Is this evidence of a mass Democratic exodus?"

For Governors, it's three Dems vs. four Republicans. Five if you include Sarah Palin.

So, to review, Republican retirements outnumber Democratic retirements in the House, in the Senate, and among governors. Seems like reality and the MSM are at odds as usual.

NOTE: Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says he will seek to succeed fellow Democrat Christopher Dodd in the U.S. Senate. Dems will get the seat.

Source: Washington Monthly