Colorado’s Wirth to Leave Senate

Sen. Timothy E. Wirth (D-Colo.) said Tuesday he has decided not to run for a second term this fall. He cited the same sense of frustration and futility that is driving an increasing number of lawmakers from Congress.

Wirth’s announcement stunned colleagues on Capitol Hill, who have seen almost daily surprise retirements in recent weeks, so far totaling 45 House members and seven senators. The post-World War II record was set in 1978, when 49 House members and 10 senators stepped down.

While reelection difficulties created by redistricting are one major cause of House retirements, a sense of personal frustration with government gridlock, recurrent scandals and antagonism from voters has been a complaint commonly voiced by retirees from both houses.

Wirth, 52, would have faced a tough challenge from Republicans, who were attempting to portray him as a Washington insider and professional politician.

In a telephone interview, Wirth spoke of the “personal anger” and frustration he has felt over the “stalemate” between a President who “shirks” his responsibilities and a Congress “stymied by relentless, pointless . . . maneuvering for short-term political advantage.”