Friday, November 3, 2017

Actually, I wouldn't put too much stock in Lamar Smith's retirement announcement


Lamar Smith, who turns 70 on November 19th, was first elected to Congress on November 4, 1986,  Although last year the Democrats made their best effort against him since 1986, this district is unlikely to flip.

Source:  Ballotpedia

Scared and Dropping Like Flies: GOP Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas Latest Republican to 'Retire'. (The New Civil Rights Movement, 11/2/2017)
Lamar has a "cash on hand" total of $936,958.  That "good time to pass on the privilege" includes the fact that Donald Trump is president. Even though Trump beat Clinton in Smith's solidly Republican district by 10 points, "several Democrats saw an opportunity to challenge Smith before he announced his retirement," Politico reports. One Democrat has already out-raised Smith.

The art of the Texas gerrymander
Sourcegovtrack

Related post:
Texas Republican Jeb Hensarling is retiring from the House but there'll be no pickup for Democrats here.  (10/31/2017)
Florida Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is retiring from Congress and maybe there's a glimmer of hope for Democrats.  (10/27/2017)
Pennsylvania Republican Charlie Dent is retiring from Congress but don't expect Democrats to flip this seat.  (10/24/2017)
Michigan Republican Dave Trott is retiring from Congress but don't expect Democrats to flip this seat.  (10/23/2017)
Ohio Republican Patrick Tiberi is retiring from Congress but don't expect Democrats to flip this seat.  (10/22/2017)

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