MS-3: Pickering to Retire

Congressman Chip Pickering (R-Mississippi) is retiring at the end of his sixth term next year.

Pickering was elected in 1996, replacing longtime Democrat Sonny Montgomery (author of the Montgomery G.I. Bill.)

Pickering was considered the GOP heir-apparent to either one of Mississippi's GOP senators should they retire. GOP Senator Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi) has no said whether or not he would run for reelection next year. Pickering's retirement may indicate that Cochran is running for reelection.

Pickering is the third Republican this week to announce they won't seek reelection. Already this week former Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois) and Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio) have both announce they will not seek reelection. Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Illinois) announced a few weeks ago that he will not seek reelection next year.

Pickering's seat is heavily Republican and will likely stay in Republican hands. However, it's interesting to note, the Mississippi 3 is not as Republican as the Mississippi 4, the Biloxi-baed district which is represented by Democrat Gene Taylor.