* From GOP Congressman John Shimkus’ Facebook page…
In light of Monday’s retirement announcement of Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Greg Walden, I have been asked to reconsider my own retirement plans.
I have heard from fellow House members in Washington, as well as from constituents in my district and supporters throughout Illinois, who believe I can make a real difference if I get the opportunity to be a committee leader. I am currently weighing the pros and cons of the situation. I know that time is of the essence, so I expect to discuss the matter with my family when I return to the district this weekend and announce my decision immediately thereafter.
- Ray del Camino - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 9:12 am:
John “Term Limits” Shimkus. Haha.
- Just Me 2 - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 9:16 am:
I’m sure Trump will have some thoughts about that given Shimkus recently saying he can’t support the President.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 9:25 am:
It’s confusing to go into such a “detailed” reasoning as to why reconsidering is on the table… that deciding not to run again, to stay that course, seems more and more unlikely.
“I’m being drawn out in two years. This is it.”
The politics also seems smart here in Illinois and nationally.
This would save so much angst and unneeded division and help Davis by resources staying put in those districts.
- NIU Grad - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 9:25 am:
This would blow up in his face if he’s not selected as leader…again. Why chose a Ranking Member who you’ll have to replace in two years anyway?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 9:34 am:
I do find it telling… Plummer, to his political credit, and showing some real acumen, hasn’t publicly moved off of where he is, in a holding pattern of an announcement or posturing.
- efudd - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 9:44 am:
Fortunately, I don’t have a congressman that goes back and forth on running again.
Limited-government, free-market enthusiast Mike Bost will stay on that government teet as long as he can.
- Bruce (no not him) - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 9:49 am:
Still trying to uphold the “Contract with America” I see. Wasn’t it 12 years?
- Steve Rogers - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 9:51 am:
It certainly sounds like he’s running. I wonder how long after the announcement will he say “put my name back on the ‘I support Donald Trump’ list.”
- OpentoDiscussion - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 9:56 am:
He, and many others, have been there long enough.
My standard has always been 12 years.
However, just on the political angle this could hurt him. Getting out and then getting back in after so many years in Congress may not play well with a number of Independents.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 9:59 am:
===may not play well with a number of Independents===
Please. That’s one of the two safest GOP seats in the state.
- Off the List - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 10:01 am:
I can’t believe Shimkus will run again. One, he’d look pretty silly. Two, after the way he exited, I’ve got to believe that Trump would pick someone in the district and campaign heavily against him.
I wish he hadn’t quit because it caused a battle we Republicans didn’t need. Now I hope he doesn’t get it in because it will probably cause a battle that we don’t need.
Oh, the party that can’t shoot straight. Ugh.
- Just Sayin ... - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 10:04 am:
Will his family remind him his first platform was running on need for term limits? Practice what you preached and pledged to the electorate.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 10:32 am:
I still think Plummer stays in, primaries Shimkus. Uses “I’m more trumpier than that old guy” as a campaign slogan
- Fav Human - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 11:31 am:
“term limits”
Let me see you with nine term Jack, “I’ll only serve three terms ” Franks
And raise you with Jack “I promise I won’t run for County Chair in 2016″ Franks, who ran in 2016.
- Publius - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 11:52 am:
ZZZZZZ
- Say What? - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 12:38 pm:
He should have simply retired after the next term and before the remap from the onset.
Of course A list candidates and/or up and comers were going to sit out the one term “opportunity”. The off ramp to being out of elective office would be to actually win the seat to nowhere in 2020.
- Sweet Mama - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 3:48 pm:
Any Republican wins this seat. Trump and the GOP don’t have to put a dime into this race, no matter who is running.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 3:52 pm:
=== Any Republican wins this seat. Trump and the GOP don’t have to put a dime into this race, no matter who is running.===
This seat is the most likely eliminated in 2022.
Shimkus winning and walking in 2022 helps the entire congressional delegation come map time.
Someone else wins, the cost will be a needless incumbent vs incumbent playoff, and possibly a freshman being “one and done” on the career resume.
- Anonymous - Friday, Nov 1, 19 @ 3:58 pm:
Bush 2 still asking him to run.