Yarmuth Retirement Rumor Offers Window Into Future
JUNE 25, 2015 · 10:02 AM EDT
Rumors that Kentucky Rep. John Yarmuth was poised to retire or resign were hot and heavy right up until the moment the Democratic congressman announced his re-election bid on Monday. But the public uncertainty provided a brief glimpse into what the race to replace him might look like when he decides to call it quits.
The exit rumors weren’t just wishful thinking by a Republican Party that hasn’t been able to seriously challenge for the Louisville-based 3rd District since Yarmuth knocked off popular GOP Rep. Anne Northup in 2006. Local Democrats were buzzing about the congressman’s plans and some were even preparing bids for an open seat.
Some of the retirement speculation began in December, when Yarmuth was interviewed by the local media and didn’t commit to running for re-election. “Who knows?” he said. “I think this next term is going to be very frustrating. So, we’ll see how that looks midway through that term whether it looks like things are going to get better or worse.
“If they’re going to get worse,” Yarmuth continued, “then I don’t think it’s something you want to be a part of.”
Those comments, combined with six subsequent months without an announcement, appeared to fuel speculation Yarmuth would retire or even resign. Then word began to spread about a Monday morning…
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