Long time liberal stalwart Barney Frank yesterday announced his decision not to seek another term in Congress. Without question Frank was not looking forward to a re-elect campaign in his new district, and would have had to raise substantial money and spend plenty of time back in the his new home district. He frankly admitted the role of redistricting on his decision.

Barney Frank is a unique individual who is at once polarizing, brilliant, arrogant, hard working, and legislatively somewhat of a throwback. Despite his reputation Frank was able to work the legislative process and produce results. A legislative technician? Yes, in many ways so, and those talents are not held in such high regard these days.

Frank of course had to leave with some quotes that are memorable, including the zinger that he would no longer have to pretend to like people who he disliked. Classic Frank, although I am not sure how much pretending he had been doing lately. Great post by Marjorie Arons-Barron about Frank over at her blog, aptly titled “Barney Frank: the rudest Congressman you’ll ever miss”. Barney may be leaving elective office, but I have a funny feeling we will be seeing and hearing plenty more from him in the years to come.

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