DC Scoop

Washington was buzzing earlier this month with the news that two leading Senate Democrats were planning to mosey out to pasture and retire after this year's elections. That means that come this time next year, the senate will be minus Sens. Byron Dorgan and Christopher Dodd.

North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan's exit will mark the end of a 30-year congressional career. Senator Dorgan said he's confident he would have won reelection, but he didn't want to commit to another 6 years in the U.S. Senate.

Speaking with National Public Radio, Dorgan said his decision to retire was a "long wrestling match." He said, "The fact is I've served in public office for 40 years which is a long, long time. I served ten years in elective office in the state capital and then 30 years here in the United States Congress, 12 in the House and 18 in the Senate."

We wish Senator Dorgan the best of luck. We also wish good tidings to Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT). Senator Dodd admitted that after an illustrious congressional career spanning 36 years, a lack of popularity in Connecticut forced him to not seek another term in office.

According to The Washington Post, Senator Dodd "turned bearish on his own prospects for reelection. And Dodd, to his credit, did not pretend otherwise. He allowed that he was 'in the toughest political shape of my career,' sailing in 'stormy political waters,' and 'very aware of my present political standing.'"

As always, we'll keep you posted on what we know... as soon as we know it.

Winters in Washington are long and bitter. This winter has been one of the most unforgiving in recent memory. Like a lot of our country, our nation's capital has experienced record snowfall and temperatures well below average.

This harsh weather, coupled with an infamously large homeless population in D.C., is a recipe for human tragedy.

The AVMA Governmental Relations Division decided to pull together and take action to help the less fortunate who are often forced to survive the elements outdoors. Throughout December, GRD collected winter coats from employees and friends. The 2009 GRD Coat Drive was a smashing success – more than 85 coats, along with sweaters, gloves and scarves, were collected and delivered to First Helping, the Street Outreach Team of D.C. Central Kitchen.

We are all happy to give back to our community and are positive that First Helping will deliver the coats to those most in need.

-- Eric McKeeby, Government Relations Communications Manager