In a statement to The Eagle-Tribune, Congressman Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., explained the reasoning behind his decision to leave the House of Representatives at the end of 2008.
“I have decided that I have accomplished all I can in the U.S. House of Representatives on the issue of immigration reform and will therefore not seek a sixth term,” Tancredo said.
He said he served five terms because there were no replacements to “whom the baton could have been passed,” a situation that he feels is no longer the case.
“Now there are so many folks working the issue from our side that I think I can safely say my work there is done,” Tancredo said.
However, Tancredo was clear that his departure from the House did not mean the end of his political career.
“I stress the word ‘there,’ he said.
Tancredo said he still plans to give the his district in Colorado his best effort until the conclusion of his term.
“There is still a lot we can do to hold everyone’s feet to the fire for the next 14 months,” he said. “And our office still has the responsibility to serve the people of the 6th Congressional District in as professional and effective manner as has been our tradition for the last nine years.”
