Senator Bingaman Will Not Seek Reelection

[Dont Taz Me Bro]

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, a New Mexico Democrat, will announce his decision not to pursue a sixth term later Friday, a Democratic aide said.

His decision puts another seat in play for Democrats as the party clings to its slim, six-seat majority in the Senate. Mr. Bingaman, 67 years old, will become the fourth senator aligned with Democrats to not seek re-election, following announcements already this year by Sens. Kent Conrad of North Dakota, Jim Webb of Virginia and Joe Lieberman, the Connecticut independent who caucuses with Democrats.

Mr. Bingaman, the chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, was expected to cruise to re-election next year. Republicans quickly seized on reports of his departure as a sign that Democrats in swing states don't like their chances in 2012.

Democratic Sen. Bingaman to Retire - WSJ.com

Bingaman's retirement will make this a competitive race out of what otherwise would have been a likely cruise to reelection for him.