By Sofia Sanchez University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service
Shocked, surprised and disappointed are the words that Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) used Wednesday to express his feelings over the sudden announcement by House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) that he will not seek re-election this November.
“He has worked so hard for his country that I can only hope that whatever he decides to do, that it brings him some exciting relief. He’s a warrior that has retired,” said Rangel.
Rangel added that the loss of Obey would not have a negative impact on Democrats controlling the House.
“I don’t see in any way how [Obey’s retirement] has an adverse affect on our ability to maintain our majority, not at all,” he said.
Obey, who was elected to office in 1969, becomes the second Democratic House chairman to announce his retirement. Despite the fact that his poll numbers were down, Obey told members of the press Wednesday that his decision had more to do with wanting more out of life.
“I have to ask myself how I want to spend the time I have left,” he said. “All I do know is that there has to be more to life that explaining the ridiculous, accountability destroying rules of the Senate to confused, angry, and frustrated constituents.”
Rangel said he took Obey at his word.
“There comes a time regardless of how well you're thought of, you have to think of your family.”
Rangel "Shocked" By Obey’s Retirement Announcement
University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service
Shocked, surprised and disappointed are the words that Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) used Wednesday to express his feelings over the sudden announcement by House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) that he will not seek re-election this November.
“He has worked so hard for his country that I can only hope that whatever he decides to do, that it brings him some exciting relief. He’s a warrior that has retired,” said Rangel.
Rangel added that the loss of Obey would not have a negative impact on Democrats controlling the House.
“I don’t see in any way how [Obey’s retirement] has an adverse affect on our ability to maintain our majority, not at all,” he said.
Obey, who was elected to office in 1969, becomes the second Democratic House chairman to announce his retirement. Despite the fact that his poll numbers were down, Obey told members of the press Wednesday that his decision had more to do with wanting more out of life.
“I have to ask myself how I want to spend the time I have left,” he said. “All I do know is that there has to be more to life that explaining the ridiculous, accountability destroying rules of the Senate to confused, angry, and frustrated constituents.”
Rangel said he took Obey at his word.
“There comes a time regardless of how well you're thought of, you have to think of your family.”