Democratic Rep. Bart Gordon Retiring

Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) today becomes the latest Congressional retirement in a seat that could be a prime pick up for the Republicans next year.

Gordon, 60, announced in a statement he will not seek reelection next year after serving more than 25 years in Congress.

He is chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee.

In more metrics showing it will be a prime target in the 2010 Congressional midterms, the district went 62-37 for Sen. John McCain in last year's presidential race. It was a more Republican district in 2008 than it had been in 2004 and 2000.

From his statement:

"When I was elected, I was the youngest member of the Tennessee congressional delegation; now, I'm one of the oldest. In fact, I have members of my staff who weren't even born when I took office. That tells me it's time for a new chapter."

Additional reporting by Eric Kleefeld.