CT Governor (R) Jodi Rell announces she will not run again in 2010.

[madinmaryland]

http://www.newstimes.com/ci_13750572

HARTFORD ­-- A tearful Gov. M. Jodi Rell abruptly announced Monday she will not run for re-election, bringing to an end a 25-year political career that saw her rise from an obscure small-town politician to a figure credited with restoring faith in a scandal-scarred office.

In a stunning announcement during a hastily called news conference in her office, Rell said she was proud of her public service, but she wants to clear the field for potential Republican gubernatorial candidates to organize for the 2010 election.

"After much soul-searching and discussion with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election next year," she said. "For the past five years, I have had the honor, and I mean the incredible honor, to serve as the 87th governor of the state of Connecticut."

Rell, a 63-year-old grandmother, vowed that she will not be a lame duck during her final 14 months in office as the state continues to confront a massive falloff in revenue and a growing state budget deficit.

"I love being governor, and I love the people of Connecticut," said Rell, who last week promised to make a decision about her political future by the end of the month.

..snip

[yellowcanine]

1. Interesting. Why the haste? Illness?

[madinmaryland]

2. She has been governor/Lt governor for 15 years, so I am assuming

she just wasn't up for another four years as gov.

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. NY TIimes account speculated as much.

She had a breast cancer in 2006 (?); husband had a tumor removed from esophagus in 2005(?). Can't find my copy right now.

Esophageal cancer ... every variety that I've heard of....is very hard to cure.

But maybe she's just had enough. It's hard being a GOV these days. Look at her neighbors in NY and NJ.

[NewJeffCT]

4. Her husband's cancer was in 2007

though, both of them are healthy now, they might want some time to enjoy life and enjoy their grandchildren.