2014 Senate retirements

[morgieb]

Durbin, Rockefeller, and Johnson are essentially certainties. Lautenberg will never retire voluntarily. Cross him off the list. I'll write something more comprehensive tomorrow, probably.

Why did he do so in 2000 then?

[morgieb]

Johnson (SD) - not in the best position to campaign against an opponent like Rounds, and South Dakota is rather red. I think he chickens out.
Rockefeller (WV) - just ask Chandler or Critz about Obama's coal positions. Well Rockefeller's more public about it.
Durbin (IL) - looks like Schumer will become the Democrat leader once Reid retires. What's the point to stay then?
Lautenberg (NJ) - 90, survived cancer, retired once before...yeah.
Enzi (WY) - nearly retired in 2008 and a Democrat isn't winning Wyoming in a long time.

Those five will I think, but possibly also...

Inhofe (OK) - age
Levin (MI) - ditto
Collins (ME) - she just got married and Snowe retired too...
Kerry (MA) - to become Secretary of State
Warner (VA) - to become Governor
Baucus (MT) - not very popular and isn't very young
Cochran (MS) - ageing and might get primaried.

Also, Graham (SC) will get primaried, but he won't retire voluntarily just yet.

[morgieb]

Article worth reading about potential retirements here.