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Ohio Sen. Voinovich Won't Run in 2010

Empty GOP seat would give Dems chance to pad majority

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 12, 2009 7:00 AM CST

(Newser) – Two-term GOP Sen. George Voinovich will retire in 2010 rather than seek reelection, the AP reports, raising Democrats’ hopes to snag an additional seat in the battleground state of Ohio. Voinovich's announcement, expected today, comes as two other Republican senators in swing states have said they won't run again. Just 44% of Ohio voters believe Voinovich should be reelected, a poll found last month; his approval rating is 51%.

“If the news of Senator Voinovich's retirement is true, it would represent a real loss for the people of the Buckeye State," said a Democratic Ohio congressman who could be a contender for the seat. "His moderate and independent voice will be missed."

Sens. Christopher Bond, R-Mo., left, George Voinovich, R-Ohio, Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich, and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, speak after the Senate's auto bailout rejection Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

In this Oct. 30, 2008 file photo, Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, is seen in Lewis Center, Ohio. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, will retire, sources say. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

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Ohio Sen. Voinovich Won't Run in 2010

Empty GOP seat would give Dems chance to pad majority

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Ohio Sen. Voinovich Won't Run in 2010

Empty GOP seat would give Dems chance to pad majority

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Democrats • retirement • Senate Republicans • George Voinovich • senator • re-election

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Dem Senator Delays Obama Judicial Pick

Some say Robert Menendez holding grudge

Dems Worry There's No Fight in Obama 2012

White House insists criticisms off-base, but liberals frustrated

27% of Senate Press Releases Taunt Other Side

Professor analyzes writings, finds lots of name calling

Scandal-Scarred John Ensign to Retire

In wake of scandal, senator ducks reelection fight

GOP in Good Shape to Take Senate Majority

Republicans need a net gain of 3 seats, and 5 Dem-held seats are toss-ups

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Site

Newser By Users

Community

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More News

What is Newser?