Congressman to retire from Congress after his current term
MURFREESBORO - After more than a quarter-century of public service to his home state of Tennessee, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced his plans to retire from Congress when his current term ends in 2010.
“I feel honored that the people of Middle Tennessee have allowed me to serve them for the past 25 years,” said Gordon. “Every decision I have made in Congress has been with their best interests in mind. I hope the people here at home feel that I have served them as well as their good advice and views have served me.
“When I was elected, I was the youngest member of the Tennessee congressional delegation; now, I’m one of the oldest. In fact, I have members of my staff who weren’t even born when I took office. That tells me it’s time for a new chapter.”
Gordon, the dean of the state’s congressional delegation, said he made his decision after consulting with his wife, Leslie.
“Turning 60 has led me to re-evaluate what’s next. I have an 8-year-old daughter and a wonderful wife who has a very demanding job. I am the only child of my 83-year-old mother, Margaret. They have made sacrifices to allow me to do what I love by serving in Congress, and now it’s my turn,” said Gordon.
Strengthening families has been a common thread throughout Gordon’s time in Congress. During his service, he has consistently worked to improve the quality of life for working families by providing greater access to higher education; allowing workers to keep their jobs while managing a family emergency such as a sick child, spouse or parent; and working to preserve the American dream by ensuring today’s students have the strong math and science skills they will need for the jobs of the future.
His constituents have repeatedly recognized Gordon’s efforts by sending him back to the U.S. Capitol to represent them - in 13 elections, Gordon has never lost any of the 15 counties in his district. In recent years, he has won re-election handily, earning 64 percent of the vote in 2004, 67 percent in 2006, and 74 percent in 2008.
The son of a farmer and schoolteacher, Gordon was named chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee in 2007, becoming Tennessee’s first full committee chairman in 30 years. The congressman said he is grateful for the opportunity it presented to author landmark legislation such as the America COMPETES Act, but his goals in Congress have always remained the same.
“My dream for kids growing up in Middle Tennessee is the same that I have for my daughter, Peyton – for them to grow up in a safe neighborhood, get a quality education, and be able to find a good job close to home,” said Gordon. “I hope I’ve been able to make that dream more of a reality for the next generation.”
While Gordon’s congressional efforts may be coming to an end in a year, his legislative efforts and first-rate constituent service will continue in the meantime.
“I will be focusing on the work to be done in the year ahead. Our country is facing extraordinary challenges, and I will continue to work to be the best congressman I can be. My doors are open in Murfreesboro, Gallatin and Cookeville, and my staff and I will continue to listen to people’s concerns and help them cut through government red tape. Staying in touch with the people I represent has been my number one priority. That will remain true throughout my last year in Congress,” said Gordon, who has held more than 2,000 open meetings, call-ins and listening sessions during his service.
The congressman said his achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many people very close to him, including his parents.
“I couldn’t have asked for more supportive and inspiring parents. My mother and my late father always stood by my side throughout the years,” said Gordon. “I’ve also been blessed with a talented, hard-working staff that has helped me do a better job. And I will be forever grateful to the friends and volunteers who have given their counsel and support over the years.”
Educated in Rutherford County public schools, Gordon graduated with honors from Middle Tennessee State University in 1971 and later received his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He served in the Army Reserves from 1971-1972. Gordon is married to Leslie Peyton Gordon, who is a partner with Korn/Ferry International, and they have one daughter.
You know I’m not too surprised with this decision. Bart Gordon is politically smart enough to understand the likelihood of re-election chances after voting with Republicans to stop, hinder and weaken the Healthcare Reform bill.
I have personally voted for Bart Gordon, supported him repeatedly, and although I believe it may not be admitted publicly. I have a strong feeling the unexpected reaction from our fellow Democrats who were disappointed with his vote was apart of his decision to retire.
Although I disagreed with his vote on healthcare reform, I wish him well. Perhaps he should seriously consider the Governor’s race. He would be a strong and recognizable name on the Democratic side.
This vacancy provides an opportunity for some new and fresh ideas to come to Washington, only if Democrats are able to elect someone who isn’t afraid to speak truth directly to Republicans and friends and do what is right for all who reside in the TN 6th U.S. Congressional district.
Who’s next?
I’m sure Bart was disappointed that Democrats had left his side because of a single NO vote on the health care bill. Now there is a good chance that Democrats won’t get a single YES vote on their issues for a generation. What a win for progressives!
I am actually am sorry to see Congressman Gordon step down. Although I strongly disagree with him with his stance on health care, he has done an outstanding job for the people whom he has represented and it didn’t matter wither they had a “D”, “R” or an “I” after their names.
I recently read in the Tennessee that Congressman Gordon has not had a “real” job but that he did have a law degree although he had never practiced. Well I don’t think we have to worry about Congressman Gordon, if I remember correctly he could have retired after twenty years of Congressional service at the old age of fifty. That fact, coupled with Congresses overstuffed retirement benefits should allow him a measure of freedom which most Americans can only dream. If anyone cares at all, the people who we should be worried about are his staff members -good luck guys and gals.