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AirTalk

Rep. Buck McKeon retirement another hit to California’s clout in Congress

By AirTalk Staff
Published Jan 17, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 16: U.S. Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA) makes a statement announcing he will not seek re-election and that he will retire from the House of Representatives, in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, January 16, 2014 in Washington, DC. The 75-year-old McKeon has served California's 25th congressional district since 1993 and has been the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee since 2011. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
U.S. Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA) makes a statement announcing he will not seek re-election and that he will retire from the House of Representatives, in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, January 16, 2014 in Washington, DC. The 75-year-old McKeon has served California's 25th congressional district since 1993 and has been the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee since 2011.
(
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
)
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Rep. Buck McKeon retirement another hit to California’s clout in Congress

California Representative, Howard "Buck" McKeon, has announced that this will be his last term in Congress. The Republican from Santa Clarita choked back tears as he made the announcement in Washington yesterday.

McKeon, 75, has served the state of California since 1993 and has chaired the House Armed Services Committee since 2011. That put him in a powerful position to make decision about military spending, a position which he used to fight against deep spending cuts at the Pentagon.

McKeon's retirement will make a big dent in California's clout on Capitol Hill and will no doubt set off a fierce race to succeed him. Will California be able to retain strong influence in Washington? What does McKeon's retirement mean for the future of California Republicans? Can the state keep a strong voice in military affairs and spending?

Guest: 

Austin Wright, Defense reporter for POLITICO