Politics

GOP Sen. Kyl Confirms He Won’t Seek Re-Election

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Republican Jon Kyl said Thursday he won’t seek re-election to a fourth term in the U.S. Senate in 2012, creating another open seat as Republicans try to take back control.

Kyl, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, said at a news conference that it was time to give someone else a shot at the seat he’s held since 1994.

“There is no other reason than the fact it is time,” Kyl said of his decision to retire after 2012. “It is time for me to do something else and time to give someone else a chance.”

Kyl, 68, whose father was a congressman from Iowa, served 10 years in the U.S. House before being elected to the Senate. He was re-elected twice, most recently in 2006 when he beat developer Jim Pederson, a former state Democratic Party chairman.

“I think it’s a big loss for the country,” Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said of his No. 2 at the Conservative Political Action Conference, an annual gathering of party activists. “The good news is that he’ll be here for the next two years.”

Kyl said he’ll spend those years forming a coalition with other senators who have announced their retirements to work without political pressures on tough issues like immigration reform. He said he does not know what he will do after he leaves office, but it won’t involve elected office.

“Some people stay too long, and there are other things to do in life,” Kyl said. “I never expected to be in office for 26 years.”

Kyl is the fifth senator to announce plans to retire, with Jim Webb, D-Va., Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, and Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., all leaving after 2012.

The GOP should be favored to hold on to the seat in heavily Republican Arizona, where the party was hugely successful in the midterm elections. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords had been mentioned as a strong Democratic candidate for the seat before she was shot in the head at a political event one month ago.

Kyl has a reputation as a hardworking conservative who toiled on home-state and national issues, particularly ones involving national defense and judiciary topics, while being overshadowed for years by the state’s senior senator, fellow Republican John McCain.

Kyl most recently made headlines for his opposition to a U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty that was a top foreign policy priority of President Barack Obama.

He entered the Senate by winning a seat held by Democrat Dennnis DeConcini, who did not run for a fourth term. He defeated Democrat Sam Coppersmith, a one-term U.S. representative, by a nearly 3-2 margin.

In 2000, Kyl cruised to re-election when Democrats didn’t even both putting up a candidate. Kyl crushed two minor party candidates and an independent. Six years later, Kyl had a roughly 150,000-vote edge over Pederson, out of roughly 1.5 million votes cast.

Pederson, a shopping center developer, sunk $10 million of his own money into the race.

Republicans mentioned as possible candidates for the seat include U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake, former U.S. Rep. John Shadegg and former state Treasurer Dean Martin. Another Democrat whose names figure in speculation is former Gov. Janet Napolitano, currently the U.S. Homeland Security secretary.

—

Associated Press Writer Paul Davenport contributed to this report.

Editor’s note: We have updated this story with an AP story confirming our early report. The original story is below.

Fox News is reporting that Arizona GOP Senator Jon Kyl will announced his retirement at a noon ET press conference today. From Fox:

Three-term Sen. Jon Kyl will announce his retirement at a noon ET news conference Thursday in Phoenix, two Republican sources confirmed to Fox News.

The Arizona lawmaker, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, will be the fifth senator scheduled for re-election next year to announce a departure from Congress in 2012.

Kyl, 68, served four terms in the House before winning a Senate seat. In 2006, he was named one of the 10 best senators by Time Magazine.

“He’s leaving now at the top of his game, he has money in the bank, and he’s one of the few long-term incumbents who doesn’t face a Tea Party challenge,” a senior Senate GOP aide with knowledge of Kyl’s decision said.

Kyl has never lost an election, and would not have been expected to lose a vote for a fourth term. He will be 70 years old when he leaves.

Read the full report from Fox News. The Blaze will have full coverage of the announcement if, and when, it’s made.

Comments (50)

  • frankee47
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:38pm

    good luck guy

    Report Post »  
  • roadhog
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 7:52pm

    Good for Sen. Kyl he will open the door for new people to run.Its Too that Mc Cain and his mouthy daughter would do the same. Cross the Asle John RINO of all time.

    Report Post »  
  • alwayssora
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 4:56pm

    Come on Arizona, find another good senator. You’re losing a good one!

    Report Post »  
  • Hugie 59 PA
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 4:03pm

    We lose one of the smartest and most practical stateman in the Senate. Sorry to see him resign but hope he considers a run for the presidency. Maybe he will be recruited for a position in the next Republican President’s cabinet in 2012. Hope and pray for relief from the present Socialist.

    Report Post »  
  • buttwart
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 2:11pm

    Make room for some younger Tea Partiers to come in and kick butt. The old timers are in a rut and have forgotten what they were there for. Adios Amigo take a stand on the border.

    Report Post »  
  • Ronko
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 1:55pm

    Good get rid of the establishment Republicans. Hopefully we can get a Tea Party Canadite to run and win that seat.

    Report Post »  
  • jacobstroubles
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 1:55pm

    Thank you Sen Kyle for your service. And thank you for leaving after 3 terms, as ALL SENATORS should do!. Too bad McCain and almost every other Senator did not have the same scruples and moral values.

    America, we should not allow these people to server any longer than 3 terms! PERIOD no exceptions! Many of our problems arise from allowing them to serve longer.
    The overwhelming temptation to become corrupt is beyond what the average person can imagine!
    And if they are coming in with that defective charateristic, then it happens quicker…

    The Tea Party is big enough now to start this ball rolling.

    Yes, we love people like Michelle Bachman..but I think even she realizes that overall the effects on the moral health in those postitions can/will decay and sucome to corruption.

    Report Post »  
  • Warphead
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 1:54pm

    McCain ! Take a hint. Time to move on and let someone else take the reins. There is no shame. It would be the honorable thing to do.

    Report Post » Warphead  
  • DashRipRock
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:28pm

    Mccain is to conservatism

    what PeeWee Herman is to Heavy Weight Boxing

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:38pm

      That PeeWee VS Tyson bout was one for the ages, wasn’t it Dash?

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:26pm

    That’s a shame, he’s one of the good ones. I hope they find a better candidate than Angle or O’Donnell.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:22pm

    Man, they’re falling like flies. Yet the Old Man of Arizona goes on and on and on, continually futzing up things in the Senate by playing footsy with Democrats. He’s the one who should have retired, in fact, Arizonans should have done it for him last election. I guess Cindy wants to keep him out of the house!

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
  • founders
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:13pm

    Go J.D. Hayworth!

    Report Post » founders  
  • clinicalminded
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:12pm

    Dashi..lol

    We do not need another legislature in chief…..

    Report Post »  
  • jumpinjackflash
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:10pm

    Its a little early for anyone to be crowing. You would have to be a fool to think the brotherhood isnt going to syep in and seize the moment at their earliest chance. Glenn, as far as I remember was stating the strong possibilities but praying for the best. Thats how I see it. I`m sure Glenn hopes the brotherhood doesnt take over which they just might do.

    Report Post »  
  • eyestoseeearstohear
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:04pm

    I’VE JUST GOT THE FEELING THAT SOMETHING TERRIBLY BAD HAS HAPPENED….

    Senator Kyl has been on top of his game – THEN SUDDENLY LEAVES?

    SOMETHING ISN’T RIGHT, HERE!
    Don’t know WHERE OR WHAT….BUT SOMETHING JUST ISN’T RIGHT WITH THIS.

    Report Post »  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:08pm

      I think he is running for President

      Report Post »  
    • cosette
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:11pm

      Ditto!

      Report Post »  
    • neverending
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:13pm

      I would venture to say that he got his fill of it after the healthcare crap.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:35pm

      He would be 75 when his next term ended, maybe he just wants to ejoy life. I respect that more than a lot of these feeble old fools trying to cling to power all the way to the grave. Arlen Specter comes to mind.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Codetrader
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:03pm

    Hey “ARM_OF_GOD” you pretty much all puffed about yourself? You seem more like an ASS_OF_HORSE”.

    Report Post »  
    • neverending
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 2:11pm

      GOD offend you? Sad to hear that because you are missing out on a lot.

      Report Post »  
  • GeauxAlready
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:03pm

    .
    Self imposed Term Limit good for him……………

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • cykonas
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:02pm

    Can you encourage Sen. McCain as well?

    Report Post » cykonas  
  • ofallon
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:02pm

    Will miss his spunk and patriotism. Well done Senator Kyl.

    Report Post »  
  • bajaman
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 11:59am

    Sooo, what grade are you in……

    Report Post » bajaman  
  • neverending
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 11:58am

    This is extremely bad and sad news. One of the most decent, honorable, intelligent men in politics. Stands true to his principles, no nonsense just what is best for Arizona and America. He will truly be missed. I think we have another reality headed toward us today and that is many decent and honorable great Americans in politics are going to step down because they are just sick and tired of what Washington has become and that is just dirty politics, corruption and seems when respectful one get there they either change or leave. God Bless Senator Kyl – he is so loved and respected.

    Report Post »  
  • entropy
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 11:57am

    I don’t know, somebody enlighten me please. If Time Mag says he is a good senator, he MUST be a sellout or a RINO , which is it?

    Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:11pm

      He‘s a good senator because he’s powerful and is not going to seek reelection. No danger to Democrats in paying a compliment to a conservative Republican when one is opening the door for a Democrat.

      Good luck in Arizona, Dems! Fat chance for a Progressive to get in from that state!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • jjoy
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:32pm

      @showtime…

      “Fat chance for a Progressive to get in from that state!”

      If that’s the case, how did McCain get elected in Arizona??? And, why do they keep electing him???

      Report Post » jjoy  
    • orkydorky
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 1:26pm

      Well said jjoy, McCain is about as rino as they come and always seems to go along to get along with progressives. I was amazed when they re-elected him. I haven’t had any respect for John McCain since he butted his nose into Oregon politics to help get a gun control law passed. Don’t trust him on 2nd Amendment issues!

      Report Post » orkydorky  
    • lionslayer44
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 10:56pm

      its a sad day for those of us in Az. he is not a rino or a sellout. he’s probably just tired. Yes we too wish it was mccain. even worse j.d. hayworth may decide to run that would truly be bad. we can hope for a good one and my choice would be state rep. Pierce he was the one who helped write S.B. 1070 and truly loves America and Az. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! be prepared collect: food, water, ammo!!!!

      Report Post » lionslayer44  
  • eyestoseeearstohear
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 11:57am

    Well…ANOTHER WARRIOR leaves the battle field.

    DAMMIT!

    Report Post »  
  • DashRipRock
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 11:52am

    Take Mccain in the membrane …with you

    Report Post »  
  • bikerr
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 11:50am

    We thank him for his service. Hope he enjoys the time off.

    Report Post »  
    • pajamash
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:01pm

      This is how I envision it to be. Learn how to do business and manage in the private sector. Serve your country in “some” of your middle years. Don’t serve well into your eighties, nineties or until death like some do (especially some very well known democrates). Then retire and enjoy life. Enjoying life doesn‘t mean you can’t be involved but, I believe, it becomes problematic when representatives live more for winning the next election than serving the people.

      Report Post »  
    • LVMerrily
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:03pm

      Too bad McCain didn’t have the grace to do the same.

      Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:06pm

      Wonder what brought that on, in this day and age?! Jon Kyl is not the one who should have stepped down. John McCain should have been in front of the camera.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • cnsrvtvj
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:20pm

      @LVMerrily – I was thinking the same thing. I wish Jon Kyl all the best, he served our country well. There seems to be several politicians on both sides that are doing this lately. I wonder who will be the next to call it quits.

      http://www.donsmithshow.com – see the Chamber and Obama video

      Report Post » cnsrvtvj  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:21pm

      His time is done, and also I wish as other posters have, that McCain would have the sense and the dignity to just retire. Too bad Obama will not do the same thing as well.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 2:29pm

      This is a real loss for Arizona. Sen. Kyl was a wonderful Senator and will be very missed by Arizonans. Too bad McCain didn’t do the same in 2010, he is your poster child for a RINO.
      Thank you Sen. Kyl for your years of dedication and service.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • avenger
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 3:14pm

      smart guy…who needs the grief at his age….

      Report Post »  
    • Tex Expatriate
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:08pm

      Maybe we thank him, maybe not. Kyl was wishy-washy at best, often doing and saying the wrong thing. Apply, Ms. Angle.

      Report Post »  

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