John Dingell longest serving US representative retire

Rep John Dingell (D-MI), a Dearborn representative who replaced his father in the House some 58 years ago and became one of the most powerful members of Congress ever, will step down, capping a career unmatched in its longevity and singular in its influence and sweep.

Rep Dingell, 87, said that he’d reached the decision to retire at the end of his current term -- his 29th full one -- rather than run for re-election because it was time, given a list of achievements that any other member of Congress would envy, and his continued frustration over partisan gridlock. His health, too, has been more of a concern for those around him in recent years and Rep Dingell made it a practice every two years of consulting with his wife Deborah about whether he should continue. “My standards are high for this job,” Rep Dingell said. “I put myself to the test and have always known that when the time came that I felt I could not live up to my own personal standard for a member of Congress, it would be time to step aside. ... That time has come.” President Barack Obama said “the people of Michigan -- and the American people -- are better off because of John Dingell’s service.”