McCrery Says He Won't Run For Re-Election: Decides Against Seeking 11th Term
by Adam Kealoha Causey - Shreveport Times (excerpt)

Rep. Jim McCrery announced Friday night he will not seek an 11th term in Congress, citing frustration with the Democratic majority and a need for more time with family.

McCrery, who was first elected to the House of Representatives in April 1988, intends to finish his two-year term, which started in January. The next congressional election will be in 2008.

He says he's unsure what kind of work he'll pursue after he leaves office.

"It's been a great ride," the 58-year-old said following a party for supporters at downtown Shreveport's Silver Lake Ballroom.

The Republican was slated to take the helm of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, but the Democratic takeover during the 2006 election cycle snuffed out his chance. It was a personal disappointment and a political roadblock in some cases.

As ranking committee member, he and Chairman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., easily worked together on trade issues. But they "just couldn't get past first base" on health care, tax and Social Security reform, McCrery said.

The announcement did not surprise local political analyst Elliott Stonecipher.

"It's a whole new ball game up there now that he's in the minority," said Stonecipher, recalling a pre-Thanksgiving chat with McCrery. "It was very clear that the thrill is gone."

The real surprise will be who will seek McCrery's seat.

Stonecipher said the most obvious candidates would be losers in recent elections, including attorney Jerry Jones, who sought the Shreveport mayor's office or Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, who lost a bid for governor.