Democrats hold a majority vote of 60 members in the Senate. As long as they all vote the same direction, anything they want will pass into law, including health care reform. But now, some Democrats are opting to retire instead of face the growing opposition to their party. 

Democrats primary concern is the 2010 Congressional elections.  Many unemployed, underemployed and employed but exhausted Americans who live under the constant threat of higher taxes, trillions in government spending, worsening healthcare under Obamacare, state government budget deficits and out-of-control government employee unions could send a message in the 2010 elections that they are done with abusive government spending by taking away that 60 vote majority.

This year, if Americans vote for Republicans or Independents to replace current Democrats in office, the Senate would lose its monopoly on passing any legislation they feel like, thus putting the brakes on this out-of-control government.

Democrat Chris Dodd from Connecticut, a five term Senator announced he is stepping down and will not run in the coming election.  Senator Byron Dorgan from North Dakota and Governor Bill Ritter of Colorado are also leaving office at the end of their terms.  In Michigan, two-term Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm is also quitting.

In local news, Republican Anthony Adams, an Assemblyman in California who has been under pressure all year from California citizens to be recalled for his recent vote to raise taxes, has decided to step down as well.  Many Californians were angered by his decision to be the last vote needed by the California legislature to pass sweeping new taxes on all Californians including an increase in our income tax, sales tax and car tax.

As a Republican in California, he signed an agreement when he accepted office to never agree to any legislation that would raise our taxes.  This was important because the Republicans held just enough seats to prevent tax increasing bills from passing. It was up to his vote to fulfill his committment to us, and instead he gave his deciding vote to the Democrats which generated $12 billion dollars in new taxes for the rest of us.

According to an article on Politico.com, “Now that the Democrats are expected to drop under 60, we will probably see other retirements as Democrats decide they would rather retire than fight.”

Categories: Government Failures

Tags: 2010 elections, Anthony Adams, big government, Bill Ritter, Byron Dorgan, Christopher Dodd, deficit spending, Democrats retire, health care reform, Jennifer Granholm