Voted into office after a special recall election, outgoing California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn't like politics as usual in this country. In remarks made before the 2010 midterm election, "The Governator" called some politicians wimps for giving in to special interest groups.
The 2010 midterm elections definitely will put some new faces in the U.S. House of Representatives, but will new blood usher in a fresh political attitude? Like Schwarzenegger, other outgoing politicians have weighed in on politics in the 21st Century and their reasons for leaving:
Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT):
After spending more than 30 years in Congress, Sen. Christopher Dodd announced his retirement in January 2010. Unlike Schwarzenegger, however, Dodd was more introspective and less bitter than Schwarzenegger.
On his official website, Dodd mentioned a rough 2009 that included the death of Senator Ted Kennedy, health issues and his own political standing in his state. During his final year in office, Dodd has been a key player in the controversial health care legislation that passed in 2010.
Dodd has said the political cost of the health care reform was worth the price, but he also has questioned his own motivations for running for office.
Sen. Kit Bond (R-MO):
Taking his mother's advice from a quarter-century ago, Sen. Kit Bond from Missouri said he is going to get out of government and get a "real job" to support his family.
Speaking to the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Bond said he believes that economic policies in Washington aren't doing enough for the small business owner.
Rep. Dave Obey (D-WI7):
Taking a cue from Kenny Rogers' famous song "The Gambler," Rep. Dave Obey has said there is a time to stay and a time to go, and he believes this is the time for him to leave. Currently representing Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, Rep. Obey has served 21 terms in Congress.
Though he knows there is work to be done, Obey also has said that he is "bone tired".
Rep. Diane Watson (D-CA33):
Closing out a 35-year political career, Rep. Diane Watson chose not to run for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Watson's career started at a time when African Americans were just making inroads into government offices and is ending while President Barack Obama is in the White House.
When asked if her seat in Congress is an "African American seat," Watson is quoted as saying "When I got started it was an issue of black and white. Now it's black, brown, white and Asian, and everyone is looking for their space and fair treatment."
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