Step Up, Step Out

Will the last one in the House turn out the lights?

It might not be that bad -- Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) is the only Rep. so far to definitively say he is leaving -- but several others are looking to follow him out the door.

Pres-elect Obama has reportedly offered Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA) the job of Trade Rep. in his admin. It's not yet clear if Becerra has accepted. But Dems need not worry: Becerra's Los Angeles-based seat, as well as Emanuel's Chicago-based CD, are solid blue territory in any Special Election.

But there are also several Reps. who are looking to move up in '10. Late yesterday came word from sources that Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R-MI) would retire in order to run for GOV. And Reps. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) and Artur Davis (D-AL) are also mulling gubernatorial bids in their states. An open seat in MI or AL would not give party operatives heartburn, but if Herseth Sandlin does run for GOV, an open seat would be a big headache for Dems.

There are lots of Reps. looking at Senate bids, too. Reps. Allen Boyd (D) and Vern Buchanan (R) both appear to be strongly considering a run for Sen. Mel Martinez's (R) seat. Martinez announced 12/2 that he won't seek re-election in '10. Reps. Adam Putnam (R) and Kendrick Meek (D) have also been mentioned for that race.

Others publicly considering moves to the upper chamber include Heath Shuler (D-NC), Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

But not everybody who has their eyes on the door is looking to more up. Earlier this week, we reported that sources close to Rep. Dennis Moore (D-KS) say he probably will retire. That seat would be a barnburner, as both parties would likely field strong candidates in a CD that leans GOP.

It may have only been a month since these guys (and gal) won re-election, but many of them are already looking for ways to get out of dodge.

(TIM SAHD)