Dan Burton announces retirement plans

WISHTV.COM

Jim Shella

Updated: Jan 31, 2012 4:27 PM

Longtime Central Indiana Congressman Dan Burton is calling it quits.  The Republican will retire at the end of his current term.

Rep. Burton (R-5th District) made a surprise appearance on the floor of the Indiana House escorted by his brother, state Representative Woody Burton.  Then he took the microphone to drop a bombshell.  “I’m planning to not run for Congress again,” he said.

Even though former Burton aides stood in the background, it was a low-key announcement with Burton saying that he wanted to make it in the chamber where he first served as an elected official.  “It’s been an experience that I cherish,” he said.  “I’m probably the luckiest man on the face of the earth with what we’ve been able to see and do.”

Three credible candidates, former U.S. Attorney Susan Brooks, former Congressman David McIntosh, and repeat candidate John McGoff are aleady running for Burton’s seat in the May GOP primary in a new district that was going to be tougher for Burton to win.  When asked why he is retiring now, Burton said, “Well, I don’t want to go into the personal problems with my family’s health but I’ve been in government… for 46 years now.”

Don’t be surprised if other Republicans get in the race now.  Insiders expect a handpicked Burton choice to emerge, and state Senator Mike Delph is the most likely prospect.  Delph said that this is a day to respect Congressman Burton.

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