Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee will not seek re-election, White House and Senate officials said Friday,
The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Thompsom will serve out his term, which expires in January. One Republican Senate official said the lawyer and former actor was resigning for personal reasons dealing with his family.
Thompson’s daughter, Elizabeth, died Jan. 20 from a brain injury following a heart attack. She was 38.
Asked by a reporter Friday if he planned to seek re-election, Thompson replied, "I have nothing to say about that now." He indicated there would be a statement later.
Though Tennessee has sent increasing numbers of Republicans to Congress in recent years, Thompson’s retirement could complicate GOP efforts to regain a Senate majority in the November elections.
Democrats control the chamber by a 50-49 margin; the 100th senator, James Jeffords of Vermont, is an independent who leans toward the Democrats.
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