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United States News Title: Pelosi surprised by Baird's decision to retire (Baird persistant in 72 hr. to read bills ) WASHINGTON -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday she was surprised by Rep. Brian Baird's decision to retire but remains confident Democrats will maintain control of the House after the 2010 elections. "Brian Baird, he didn't give me 72 hours notice,'' Pelosi joked, referring to Baird's unsuccessful – and persistent -- efforts to provide lawmakers at least 72 hours to review and understand legislation before voting. Like others who follow politics in the Northwest and beyond, Pelosi said she was surprised by Baird's announcement. "He made a personal decision that he felt was right and I have to accept that,'' Pelosi said today during an interview with The Oregonian and a group of other news outlets. "He has twin boys, little boys who are adorable and his wife is a professional as well and he made that decision and I respect that,'' she said. Baird's decision, which was closely held until his evening announcement Dec. 9, was just one of several recent retirements by Democrats that have caused concern among some in the party. So far, 11 Democratic incumbents have announced their retirement, which at least four -- including Baird -- serving in swing districts that Republican believe they can win. Pelosi, however, said she is not worried and is convinced Democrats will remain in control of the House after the 2010 elections. "I think we will have some type of a majority; I don't think there's any risk to that. We take nothing for granted. I'm in campaign mode,'' she said. Democrats currently enjoy an 81 seat advantage over Republicans. Independent campaign observers agree that Republicans will pick up seats in the coming election but most agree with Pelosi's analysis. The Associated PressHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi believes Democrats will retain control of the House even with the unexpected retirements of Rep. Brian Baird and 10 other incumbents.Still, the number of retirements has been higher than expected this far from the election and Republicans say they are energized to contest those open seats. Baird, 53, of Vancouver, serves on the House science and transportation committees. While his 3rd District seat, which is based in Vancouver, is considered competitive, he easily won re-election in 2008 and was not considered in jeopardy this cycle. "I find it is increasingly difficult to spend the time I need with my family and at the same time do the job that needs to be done," Baird, the father of 4-year-old twin boys, told The Associated Press on the day he announced his retirement. He scoffed at the idea that politics played a role. "I am quite confident I would win re-election," Baird said. Charlie Cook, an independent and respected political analyst, wrote this week, "One can understand the indigestion building in Democratic leadership offices in seeing Reps.Dennis Moore, D-Kan.,John Tanner, D-Tenn., Brian Baird, D-Wash., and now (Rep. Bart) Gordon all stepping down and opening up seats that will be difficult to defend. "If a trend were to develop, it would start pretty much as this has so far,'' Cook said. Pelosi said she has spoken with a group of members who might be considering retirement and won assurances from most that they would run again. "Incumbent protection is what I consider to be my first political responsibility and then open seats and then challenges to Republicans after that,'' she said. While she expressed confidence that Democrats would keep their majority, she would not predict what might happen in Baird's district, which Republicans candidates for governor, Senate and president have won with regularity. Pelosi said her confidence is based on a productive year in which the House passed the $787 billion stimulus as well as bills to help homeowners rework their mortgages and the "Cash for Clunkers'' program to purchase new cars. The House also passed a sprawling health care reform bill and energy legislation, among others. "We are finishing our work and completing a year of which we are very, very proud,'' she told reporters. Pelosi, however, said she is not worried and is convinced Democrats will remain in control of the House after the 2010 elections. "I think we will have some type of a majority; I don't think there's any risk to that. We take nothing for granted. I'm in campaign mode,'' she said.
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Just WOW. Looks like the RATS are jumping ship. We need RATS like him who have a modicum of integrity.
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