Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

mrbgso t1_j9fih22 wrote

It feels like this was a “move up or move out” moment for him. He was being vaguely groomed for house leadership, but didn’t make it in with the reshuffling that came with Pelosi’s exit as leader. He probably doesn’t see an upward path in the house at this point, and doesn’t want to spend the next twenty years as a rack and fine member. That’s my read at least.

58

SweatyCockroach8212 t1_j9ft0ey wrote

Or at 61 years old, he sees the RI Foundation as his final job. Spend 10-15 years there, no constant travel to Washington, no need to do any campaigning, collect a much larger salary and stay home. All that could also be a big part of the decision calculus.

83

mrbgso t1_j9fu0oq wrote

Oh, I think it’s both! Why chase a leadership position you’re not getting when you can go home and settle into a comfortable glide path to retirement.

31

wenestvedt t1_j9fxynd wrote

I will miss him, but the guy has been working hard for years, as mayor and then as a Rep. He's earned some relaxation, but I will be said not to have his voice in D.C. for me.

16

reddit_beats_chive t1_j9g5nd8 wrote

Worked super hard as mayor, lying his ass off takes a heavy toll on a man. Let finances crumble and ran out as fast as he could.

2

commandantskip t1_j9fzszf wrote

I have the same read. He was on the rise, but the change in Democratic leadership doesn't necessarily want to move with him. This is a good option for him. It still provides a leadership position, a healthy salary, and now he's walking distance from his restaurant.

10

buffymiffington t1_j9i8nbs wrote

Yup. Plus aging parents, getting tired of the commute to DC…

2

radioflea t1_j9jjk1g wrote

It’s a 45 minute plane ride. I suspect that he would step down after not getting tapped for house speaker.

1

mkmck t1_j9g076z wrote

Makes sense. He also may have taken a look at his workplace over the past month and said NFW, especially with a viable alternative waiting for him.

2