Israel Matzav: St. Pancake's congressman retires

St. Pancake's congressman retires

Representative Brian Baird (D-Wash) has announced that he will retire from Congress at the end of the current term. Since 1988, Baird has represented the district in which St. Pancake - Rachel Corrie - grew up (Hat Tip: Instapundit).

It’s a D+0 seat: contra the New York Times, Cook had it as being competitive (Likely Democratic), and that will be almost certainly be upgraded rather quickly. Baird’s reasoning? He wants to spend more time with his family. Judging from the reactions of his colleagues, this sudden desire comes as a bit of a surprise.

After a trip to Gaza with Keith Ellison, America's first Muslim congressman, in February of this year, Baird called for a 'reassessment' of American aid to Israel.

Good riddance.

Israel Matzav: St. Pancake's congressman retires