Who Else Will Retire?

Over the past few days there has been considerable discussion over the seemingly likely possibility that Sen. John Chichester will be retiring after this year. The 28th is still a very strong GOP district and I expect the Republicans to hold the seat whether he retires or not.

That got me thinking about who else may retire in the Assembly, but more especially the Senate. One name that's possible is Sen. Charles Hawkins from the Danville area. That would be an interesting dynamic if he retired b/c it would create open seat races for both House and Senate in Franklin and Pittsylvania Counties, as Del. Dudley has retired and Del. Hurt would likely run to replace Hawkins. If this occurs, it would potentially help the GOP candidate in the 9th; as it would ensure GOPs go to the polls to support the Senate candidate as well as the House race. I have heard nothing to suspect this will occur; but Hawkins is a major Chichester ally and would probably retire when Chichester does due to his age and close relationship.

The other race I have heard nothing out of is Sen. Emmett Hanger. As you know, he has a primary challenger this year and would seemingly be out starting to campaign and ask for money by now. I have seen or heard nothing from or of his campaign. I have even heard that he hasn't decided if he will seek re-election this year. Many of you know that Sen. Hanger can sometimes decide things at the last minute (remember his LG run in 2005?) but this would seemingly indicate he is at least contemplating not running. If he chooses not to run, look for several others to enter the GOP nomination race with Sayre; since it would now be an open seat with no chance of making any enemies. I will have more on that if and when it happens.

The last potential retirement is Sen. Chuck Colgan. I have heard many rumors on what he will do and right now I am hearing he is about 75% likely to retire. Even so, I imagine the dems will be pushing super hard to keep him in the race for one more term to try and make the push for the majority. The GOP will almost undoubtably win the seat if he retires; and may have a shot even if he doesn't. As has been discussed elsewhere in past posts throughout the blogosphere; Colgan will have some major obstacles in his race this year that he has not had in past elections. Those issues along with his age may finally convince him to hang it up.

Are there any other retirements anyone is hearing about?