Frank's bid for re-election throws wrench into redistricting
Barney Frank just threw a big wrench into the the redistricting plans for the Commonwealth.
WASHINGTON -- Representative Barney Frank announced this morning he will run for re-election in 2012, ending months of speculation that the 70-year-old from Newton was ready to retire.Frank said in an interview his top priority is to defend the financial regulatory overhaul from Republican attempts to water it down or repeal it. The overhaul law passed last year was co-authored by Frank when he served as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.
Many were speculating that Frank would retire and solve the politically tense problem of picking a district for elimination, especially after the two western Massachusetts congressmen, Rep. John Olver and Rep. Richard Neal, said they were sticking around. Well that's not the case now and it appears a once tired and exausted Frank is now more energized than ever.
His district is one of the most gerrymandered districts in the country and would have been perfect for other districts to absorb. He's probably insulated from losing his seat because of his stature and seniority though I would not be surprised if his district was drastically redrawn, along with Rep. Jim McGovern's, in a more sensible way. There is just no reason New Bedford and Brookline should be in the same congressional district.
This development places even more pressure on rumored challengers to Senator Scott Brown in 2012. I didn't buy the hype that Frank would run for US Senate in 2012. He would have had a difficult time winning statewide though on the other hand it would have nationalized the race instantly.
Frank's continued presence in Congress will likely upset the many national conservatives who donated heavily to oust him in the last election . A challenge to Frank would most likely be futile as Barack Obama's presence on the ballot in 2012 all but guarantees his re-election.
At least we get to see more of the polar opposite pairing of Frank and Rep. Ron Paul.
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