Despite assurances that he’d seek another term, Vermont Independent Sen. Jim Jeffords is retiring.
U.S. Sen. James Jeffords, whose declaration of independence from the GOP four years ago briefly gave Democrats control of the Senate, will not seek re-election next year, The Associated Press learned Wednesday.
Jeffords will make the announcement Wednesday afternoon in Burlington, three sources close to the senator said. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity.
This is a little discouraging. It’s another seat the Dems will have to worry about next year — Jeffords’ re-election was a no-brainer — and will completely throw Vermont politics upside-down. Will Howard Dean jump into the race? Rep. Bernie Sanders (I) may run, but then who’ll try to fill Vermont’s lone House seat?
Politics aside, Jeffords has been a terrific lawmaker and a classy guy. The Senate will no doubt miss him.