AP sources: Longtime congressman Obey, House Appropriations chairman, to retire

AP sources: Powerful House chairman Obey to retire

WASHINGTON — Rep. David Obey, the powerful House Appropriations chairman, will not seek re-election, according to Democratic sources.

The Wisconsin Democrat, 71, was first elected to his seat in 1969 and easily won his 20th full term in 2008 with 61 percent of the vote.

Obey faced a potentially difficult re-election bid this fall, but his decision came as a surprise nevertheless. Obey scheduled an official announcement for Wednesday afternoon.

He is the chamber’s third-longest serving Democrat and the highest-ranking House Democrat to announce his retirement.

The Democratic sources spoke on condition of anonymity to speak frankly about Obey’s decision before the announcement.