When parties lose majority status in Congress and when a return to majority status looks tough, retirement announcements become common. When the Ds lost their majority in the House in ’94 29 announced they would not run in ’96. When the Rs lost their House majority in ’06 27 Rs did not seek reelection in ’08. So far this year, 17 Ds have announced their retirement. Five to 10 more retirements are expected.