In a statement that is expected to be made formal today, Sen. Jeff Bingaman is retiring. This can be the fifth term of service in Congress completed by Bingaman. This is the sixth retirement announcement from Senators this year alone.
Senator Bingaman announces retirement
Bingaman is a senator in New Mexico that is democratic. He has been in for five terms now. He was first elected to his U.S. Senate seat in 1982 after spending four years as Attorney General in New Mexico. The announcement came following another announcement was made. The re-election showed that Bingaman had very easily won New Mexico.
2012 retirements at 6
It can be almost another two years before the 2012 elections occur. Nevertheless, announcements are being made by senators. Announcements have already come for the retirements of many at the end of the 2012 session. These consist of Bingaman, Kay Hutchinson, Joe Liberman, Kent Conrad, Jim Webb and Jon Kyl. This means that any challengers hoping to win the election for their seats are free to start their own campaigns. There will probably be a lot of debate with the 2012 elections. The majority in the Senate is with the Democrats right now. It is with 51-47. 2 independents also regularly vote with the Democrats. In order to continue controlling the U.S. senate, Democrats can't lose more than three seats.
Benefits of quitting as a senator
Senator Jeff Bingaman is 67 years old, and he will be 68 years old at the end of the 2012 session. With at least five years in Congress, any member of Congress can get a pension following age 62. Congress members typically end up with a $46,932 a year pension plan with retirement benefits although it depends on many things. This is in addition to any private retirement savings and social security benefits that the senator could qualify for.
Citations
Associated Press
m.apnews.com/ap/db_16026/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=RHDXy38c
Senate.gov
senate.gov/reference/common/faq/retirement_for_members.shtml
Politico
politico.com/news/stories/0211/49823.html
No comments:
Post a Comment