By Richard E Walrath

Republican Representative Ray LaHood’s (IL) July 27th announcement he was retiring, after seven terms, was the first but not the last.

Since that date Ohio Representative Deborah Pryce announced  she would not seek re-election after eight terms in office.  That will make a lot of people happy.  The Democrats were really gearing up for next year to beat Debbie Pryce.  Pryce came within a 1055 votes of losing hers in 2006 to Mary Jo Kilroy.  Democrats have a very good chance of picking up this seat in 2008.

Former House Speaker, Illinois Republican Representative J. Dennis Hastert’s announcement he would not seek re-election in 2008 opens a second Republican-held House seat for the State of Illinois.

Mississippi Republican Representative Charles W. "Chip" Pickering Jr. announced he will not seek re-election.  Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck (R) was a possibility for this seat, but a statement from her office indicates she will not be a candidate.  Pickering’s seat will probably stay in the hands of the Republicans.  Mississippi is about as red and red-neck as it gets.