According to Hotline, U.S. Rep Brian Baird is retiring. This is being confirmed by Chuck Todd
Baird represents Washington's 3rd congressional district which according to Cook's PVI is even. Bush won here in 04, But Obama won with 53% so the district is clearly trending Democratic. Chuck Todd thinks this will be a competetive race but will not be an easy pickup for the Republicans. I personally think with the trend of the district, that if we have anyone to run on the Dem side that we should defend it rather handily.
Baird never had problems getting re-elected and wasn't expected to have any this year. His closest win was 55% when he first ran for the seat. If memory serves, Baird was a blue dog...lets hope we can find someone who can improve upon his performance.
The Democrats seem to be having Reps in Red areas give up their seats. I suspect this might be because of the more liberal agenda being pushed in the house is opposed by some of these blue dogs and they don't want to take the time to oppose it and could be weary of having to deal with tons of phone calls from people who do support it, like you and me.
