Democratic Senator Max Baucus To Retire In 2014
"Deciding not to run for re-election was an extremely difficult decision," Baucus said. "After thinking long and hard, I decided I want to focus the next year and a half on serving Montana unconstrained by the demands of a campaign."
Baucus has been a member of the Senate for 36 years, and his decision to forego another re-election campaign may anger some people after his actions last week. Baucus was one of the Democrats to vote and speak out against expanding background checks for owning a gun, which is one of the main issues that President Barack Obama has wanted to address.
MORE: Obama, Giffords React Furiously To Senate Vote On Background Checks
Baucus has stated that he will focus on the nation's fiscal issues and adding more jobs in the state of Montana for the remainder of his term. A top candidate to replace Baucus's seat is former Democratic Governor Brian Schweitzer. Schweitzer is one of the most popular figures in Montana, and the Democrat is already leaning towards running for the open seat.
Baucus is now the sixth Democrat that has announced retirement after his term is finished, following Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota, Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey and Senator Carl Levin of Michigan.
Reach Executive Producer Max Meyer by email.