NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney issued the following statement on U.S. Representative Bart Gordon’s decision to not seek re-election for Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District:

“Like John Tanner, Bart Gordon can see the writing on the wall in 2010 and has chosen to step aside,” said Devaney. “Tennesseans are struggling with 10.5 percent unemployment and are looking to their elected leaders for common-sense solutions that will put help put them back to work. Instead, this Democrat Washington has consistently advocated for big government, fiscally reckless policies that aren’t reviving our economy and are leaving our nation drowning in red ink. Rep. Gordon’s decision is further proof that Democrats are sensing the mounting discontent among voters and know they are facing a potentially significant backlash in next year’s elections. Rep. Gordon made the right decision and I wish him and his family well as he moves on from his career in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Rep. Bart Gordon has served in Congress for 25 years and currently serves as dean of the Tennessee delegation. His decision follows a similar announcement by 8th District Representative John Tanner and the withdrawal of both Democrat candidates who were running in Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District.