Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Dorgan to retire
US Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Aviation Subcommittee Chairman, Byron Dorgan (D-ND) announced (06-Jan-2010) he would not seek re-election, meaning one of the most knowledgeable aviation legislators will leave his post at the end of this year. The announcement came as a surprise in Washington since Dorgan (67) was expected to seek another six-year term. He stated, "although I still have a passion for public service and enjoy my work in the Senate, I have other interests and I have other things I would like to pursue outside of public life". Dorgan served six terms in the House of Representatives before beginning his Senate career. The move means the Democrats will have to defend four seats of its 60-seat super majority which it struggles to hold together with each vote. Also, yesterday, Democratic powerhouse Chris Dodd announced his retirement. Seven Republicans have already announced plans to join Dorgan in retirement. [more]