Byron Dorgan Will Not Seek Re-election

Looks like there might be another Dem seat available for the taking in the Senate. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2010 (announced on Fox News).

Very surprising, but indicative of the kind of year the Democrats are facing.

I had an earlier post that indicated that Dorgan was in trouble if GOP Gov. John Hoeven got in the race. Now, it's wide open for whoever wants it, and the Dems may have trouble coming up with a strong candidate.

There's also word that North Dakota's lone House Member, Earl Pomeroy, may also be considering spending more time with his family. Could we be seeing a big GOP shift in the great frozen north?

I hope so.

The downside of this decision is that for the next year Dorgan will feel himself untouchable so he'll be free to vote for every crazy thing that comes along. Without the fear of losing an election the voters of North Dakota can now expect nothing but unrestrained liberalism from Dorgan.