Gordon has big shoes to fill, RuCo Dems say on The Murfreesboro Post

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Gordon has big shoes to fill, RuCo Dems say

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Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009 2:48 pm

Rep. Bart Gordon’s legacy can be seen throughout Rutherford County and the mid-state, Rutherford County Democratic Party Chairman Jonathon Fagan said.

“You can’t go anywhere in Rutherford County without seeing the positive impact of Bart Gordon from Oaklands and the greenway to Hobgood the NASA school and MTSU. In his 25 years in congress, he has had a very positive impact on the county and we’re sad to see him go,” Fagan said about Gordon’s retirement announcement Monday morning.

The Rutherford County Republican Party was unavailable for comment.

Gordon said he will retire when his current term ends in 2010. He took office in 1985 after previous seat holder, Al Gore Jr., was moved into the 4th district.

“I feel honored that the people of Middle Tennessee have allowed me to serve them for the past 25 years,” Gordon said about his years in congress. “Every decision I have made in Congress has been with the best interests of you and the people I represent in mind. I hope you feel that I have served you as well as your good advice and views have served me.”

Fagan said no Democratic contenders have stepped up yet to run for the now open seat and that he is looking forward to a competitive race on both sides of the aisle.

State Sen. Jim Tracy said Monday he will officially announce his candidacy sometime this week.

“Whoever wins his seat will start from zero in the seniority system and that is huge,” Fagan said “Bart had an incredible amount of seniority … which will have a huge impact on Rutherford County.”

Gordon is currently serving as chairman of the Science and Technology Committee and as a member of the Energy and Commerce committee. He has also served on the Financial Services and Rules committees, as well as chair of the Consent Calendar committee.

Gordon will step down at the end of his term to spend more time with his family, he said.

Michelle Willard can be contacted at 615-869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com.

Tagged under Bart Gordon, Elections, Jim Tracy, Jonathon Fagan

Member Opinions:

By: bota on 12/15/09
The best thing the Democrats will have going for them is if the Repubicans choose Lou Ann Zelenick as their candidate.Even her own party won't vote for her.

By: TomCash on 12/15/09
Nah, they won't choose Zelenick, and it is going to be a tough road for the Democrats to keep this seat. Herron's got a much better shot in the 8th. It's exciting to have open races though.

By: biker on 12/15/09
I think both Bart Gordon and John Tanner have read the writing on the wall and have decided to take the loot and run. Good riddance X2.