Rick Boucher says reports of retirement are false

WDBJ7.com ^ | 1/28/10 | N/A

[Darnright]

A report that Congressman Rick Boucher might be contemplating retirement brought a quick denial this week from the Abingdon Democrat.

It also brought an interesting reaction from a leading Republican who's considering a challenge, Salem Delegate Morgan Griffith.

When Washington news organizations suggested that Rick Boucher might be ready to retire from his seat representing the ninth district, the congressman quickly sent them a statement saying he had given no consideration to retiring and is planning to seek re-election.

After the news reached Richmond, Salem Delegate and House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith said he's still weighing a possible run for the ninth district seat, and he said Boucher's decision to seek a fifteenth term could push him in that direction.

"I would be more likely to run with Boucher as the opponent, because he has totally failed the district, particularly on cap and trade, when he just stabbed the coal industry in the back. He stabbed the railroad industry in the back. He's supposed to represent the people of Western Virginia, instead he represented Nancy Pelosi," says Griffith.

Roanoke Democrat John Edwards represents a portion of the ninth district in the State Senate. He says Boucher has served the district well since 1982, and he hasn't lost the confidence of southwest Virginia voters.

"No one has done more for western Virginia and the ninth district than Congressman Rick Boucher. He has been a one-man economic development team," says Edwards. "Rick Boucher has won handily every time he's run, and I think that he will win handily again."

Griffith says he's still considering his prospects in the ninth district, whether he would have the support to make a successful run. He expects to make a decision after the General Assembly adjourns in March.

News7 tried to reach Congressman Boucher or a member of his staff, but our calls to the campaign office in Abingdon and the congressional office in Washington were not returned Thursday.

[Darnright]

Boucher was one of the democrats who would not even look at the evidence against Bill Clinton during impeachment. He keeps a low profile, sometimes works with the nearby Republican congressman on technological bills, but when Nancy says jump, Boucher rockets up into the clouds.

[freespirited]

I hear folks are really pissed at him.

[Crichton]

This is one of those districts where a challenger would have a tough time gaining traction most years, but could become competitive quickly in a nationalized election with a backlash against Obama-Reid-Pelosi.

[BobL]

“Roanoke Democrat John Edwards represents a portion of the ninth district in the State Senate. He says Boucher has served the district well since 1982, and he hasn’t lost the confidence of southwest Virginia voters.”

You know he’s in trouble if he needs John Edwards to defend him.

(yea, I know, a different John Edwards, but still fun to comment)

[Darnright]

>(yea, I know, a different John Edwards, but still fun to comment)<

Yep. Our John Edwards seems to know his zipper should be in the “up” position at all times around bimbos (c;

[Darnright]

Our John Edwards looks like a guy, instead of a prissy girl:

[Retired COB]

but when Nancy says jump, Boucher rockets up into the clouds.

Yeah, and then waits for permission to come back down.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Of interest to all here:

Shine a 'Light' on Congress

[Dave Moore for Congress]

This man will become (if not already) Rick Boucher’s worst nightmare on May 22nd. Trust me he is already watching him and so is the National Tea Party and the RPV.

http://davidmoore4congress.com/

Help us unseat tricky Rick in 2010 and vote for David Moore.