WASHINGTON -
Mike Ferguson, who narrowly won a fourth term last year, said he wants to spend more time with his wife and kids. Ferguson, who is 37, has been a target for Democrats in each of the last two elections but has won them both narrowly. His announcement came just two weeks after that of James Saxton, a 12-term incumbent from New Jersey.
Ferguson is the 15th Republican to announce plans to retire from the House since the Democrats won control of the chamber last year, forcing the GOP to defend what are normally sure bets, as incumbents generally win 98% of their congressional races.
Among the retirees are: former House Speaker Dennis Hastert; former Republican Conference Chair Deborah Pryce, and senior lawmakers Jerry Weller, Ralph Regula, Ray Lahood, David Hobson, Rick Renzi, as well as Republican senators Chuck Hagel, Wayne Allard, John Warner and Larry Craig. In addition, two senior GOP House members have passed away, Paul Gillmor and JoAnn Davis.
