Rep. Norm Dicks will not run for re-election

Washington Democratic Rep. Norm Dicks, top Democrat on the influential House Appropriations Committee, announced Friday he’ll retire at the end of the year after 18 terms in the House.

“I am announcing today my intention to complete my service in the House of Representatives at the end of the current session but not to be a candidate for re-election to the 113th Congress,” said Dicks in a statement. “After 18 terms representing the people of the 6th Congressional District of Washington, preceded by eight years on the Staff of Senator Warren G. Magnuson, Suzie and I have made the decision to change gears and enjoy life at a different pace.”

After the announcement, 97.3 KIRO FM host Dave Ross called Dicks a “legend” in an appearance on Seattle’s Morning News.

“He probably would have easily won re-election,” said Ross, adding he can see why Dicks would want to retire at age 71.

With Dicks retiring, Ross said one of the biggest losses for Washington state will be the “money.”

“Washington state, we are a backwater as far as the other Washington is concerned. We need seniority. That leaves Patty Murray as the most senior member, so a lot of that pressure is going to continue to fall on her.”

Listen Dave Ross responds to Norm Dicks retiring

On Friday, Senator Patty Murray responded to Dicks’ announcement calling him “a true Washington state institution.”

“I will miss his voice here in our nation’s capital. And we will all miss his ability to make sure federal policy works for Washington state families,” said Murray.

Cong. Jim McDermott said Washington will miss what Dicks did for the state.

“He’ll be missed as much as Warren Magnuson was. I don’t think people really understand the reach of Norm’s power.”

Dicks earned a reputation over the years as an inside player, popular with Democrats and Republicans alike on the clubby panel.

“I have rarely had the chance to work with someone of his decency, strong work ethic, jovial character, and honesty,” said Rep. Harold Rogers, R-Ky. “Norm has never hesitated to work together to maintain the comity and spirit of bipartisanship that is the hallmark of the appropriations committee.”

When asked by KING-5 News if he had any regrets, Dicks mentioned one decision he made.

“If I had one vote to re-do, it would be the vote to go into the war in Iraq,” said Dicks. “Even though all the intelligence… said that Sadaam had weapons of mass destruction, that did not prove to be true; I think we were misled.”

“Norm will retire from Congress leaving behind an incredible legacy of public service. Washington state families will benefit from his hard work, passionate advocacy, and tremendous contributions for decades to come,” said Murray.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.