2 longtime House Republicans announce their retirements

[Swordsmyth]

Two longtime GOP lawmakers announced their retirements Tuesday from the House of Representatives, adding to the growing list of Republicans electing to leave Capitol Hill under the Trump administration rather than face voters in next year's midterm elections.Twelve-term Rep. Frank LoBiondo of New Jersey declared in a statement that "our nation is now consumed by increasing political polarization" and "there is no longer middle ground." The 71-year-old became the latest moderate Republican to leave Congress and open up a seat that will be ripe for Democrats to pick up as they fight to retake control of the House next year.
Then, several hours later, seven-term Rep. Ted Poe of Texas, a conservative, announced that he too plans to retire rather than seek re-election to another term next year. Poe, 69, whose district covers parts of Houston and northern suburbs, said in a statement that "Thanks to the lord, I'm in good health, but it's time for the next step." He added that he was looking forward to spending more time with his grandkids.
Poe's district is solidly Republican and would be a struggle for Democrats to win.

More at: https://www.yahoo.com/news/jersey-gop-congressman-lobiondo-retire-12-terms-200454195--election.html

https://www.thenewamerican.com/freedom-index
Dist.2: Frank LoBiondo (https://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38&Itemid=828&nameid=L000554) - 44%
Dist.2: Ted Poe (https://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38&Itemid=828&nameid=P000592) - 70%

[Aratus]

Last nite saw this slew of Democrat victories in local districts/races
that the Trump/Pence ticket and/or GOP candidates had carried in
2016. The young tend to vote Democrat, voters over the age of 30
split 50/50 between Mitt Ronmey & Barack Obama in 2o12, normally
GOP moderates try to straddle both sides of the fence & avoid being
perceived as venal or greedy. Trump's many scandals are destroying
this strategy, the GOP party hacks are between a rock & hard place.
There is an anger in the land, IMOHO were Doctor Ron Paul 20 years
younger he'd be able to run and get the party nomination for once, it
feels like 2020 is going to be a "throw the bums out" year after 2o18
has bright young Democrats sweeping bi-elections at the national level.