David Obey, Appropriations Committee Chairman, to Retire From Congress

Rep. David Obey, a 20-term Democrat from Wisconsin, announced Wednesday that he will retire at the end of his current term rather than seek reelection in November.

At a Capitol Hill press conference, Obey explained, "There's a time to stay and a time to go, and this is my time to go."

Obey, 71, has represented Wisconsin's 7th District since 1969, when he became that Congress' youngest-serving member. Although he faced a tough reelection challenge this year, his decision to walk away came as a shock to top Democrats in Washington. With his retirement, Obey leaves one of the most powerful positions in Washington as the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Republicans had recruited 38-year-old Sean Duffy to run against Obey this year -- and Duffy had some traction against the liberal incumbent. Duffy serves as a local district attorney and was once a member of MTV's "Real World" cast in Boston. With Obey's decision, Duffy likely becomes the favorite to win the open seat.

The National Republican Campaign Committee responded to news of the retirement immediately and with obvious satisfaction. "There's no question David Obey was facing the race of his life," said NRCC spokesman Ken Spain. "And that is why it is understandable that the architect of President Obama's failed stimulus plan has decided to call it quits."