McNulty makes 2008 retirement official

Rep. Michael McNulty (D-N.Y.) on Monday became the first Democrat this cycle to officially announce his retirement from Congress.

{mosads}“I am pleased to announce that when my 10th term in the United States House of Representatives expires in January of 2009, I am coming home to the people and the community I love so much,” McNulty said at a press conference in Albany. “Words could not adequately express the gratitude I feel today. Surely, I am one of the luckiest people on the face of the earth.”

McNulty, who was paralyzed by polio when he was 2, said that his health was not a main reason for the decision but added that it was a factor. The lawmaker noted that Post Polio Syndrome affects his stamina. He added that his “condition has not yet affected my ability to do this job, but I know that someday it could.  

“I have too much respect and reverence for this job — and the people who gave it to me — to wait for that to happen,” McNulty said.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) announced in 2005 that he would retire after this term, but he changed his mind earlier this year.

Reps. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and Tom Allen (D-Maine) are both vacating their House seats but are pursuing Senate seats.

About a dozen Republicans have announced plans to retire, the latest being Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) late Sunday.