By Luige del Puerto | Arizona Capitol Times
In a move that is certain to send Democrats into a mad scramble, U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, 70, today announced that he is retiring from office at the end of the current term, when he completes his 23rd year in Congress.
Pastor is the first Hispanic from Arizona to get elected to Congress. He represents Congressional District 7, which covers south and central Phoenix and stretches into Glendale, Tolleson and Guadalupe.
“I’ve been in public office for 39 years and it’s been a pleasure to serve the people of Arizona,” said in a news release. “After 23 in Congress, I feel it’s time for me to seek out a new endeavor. It’s been a great honor, a great experience and a great joy for me to serve in Congress. I think it’s time for me to do something else.”
Already, some have begun positioning to replace the veteran lawmaker.
