California Congressman Cardoza Not Seeking Re-Election

Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.), a blue dog Democrat who kept his seat after seeing his coalition hit hard in the 2010 midterms, has announced that he will not be seeking re-election in 2012.

“I love the people of the Central Valley, and thank them for the confidence they have placed in me for over 20 years of elective office,” Cardoza said in a statement Thursday. “While I plan to retire from public service after this term in Congress, I will energetically continue my efforts to improve California as a private citizen.”

The California Congressman, who endorsed Obama in 2008, noted that he was disappointed with what he described as the White House’s lack of focus on the foreclosure crisis, which has hit his district particularly hard.

“Home foreclosures are destroying communities and crushing our economy, and the Administration’s inaction is infuriating,” Cardoza said.

Cardoza also emphasized that he was disappointed with the direction political rhetoric has taken in recent years.

“Voters need to reward statesmanship,” he said in a piece of parting advice. “For our country to change course, voters must aggressively punish extreme partisanship and rhetoric when they cast their ballots.”

A former Chief of Staff to scandal plagued Congressman Gary Condit, Cardoza joined the House in 2003, assuming the seat previously held by his boss.