Jim Cooper: Uncovered

Reaction To Blue Dog Rep. Gordon's Retirement

Jackson Baker at the Memphis Flyer:

What it comes down to, stripped of all euphemisms and rationalization, is that Tennessee’s Democrats, one year after taking a licking in legislative races and becoming the minority party in both houses of the General Assembly, are abandoning ship at the congressional level, too — not even waiting for the 2010 census, after which the state GOP will have a free hand in redistricting....

The 5th District, encompassing Nashville, is held by Jim Cooper, a Democrat who faces constant criticism from the Democratic left (as did Tanner) for being too conservative in his voting. He may end up facing both a primary and a general-election challenge in 2010.

David Dayden at FDL:

With each retirement we are seeing a weakening of the Blue Dog Caucus in the House of Representatives.

Jim Cooper's statement is here.

Christian Grantham at Nashville is Talking also has a great more extensive round-up of TN blogosphere reaction from both sides of the aisle.

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