Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank has been politically active for nearly 45 years. Passionately fighting for people's quality of life with his quick wit and sharp tongue. One of the first openly gay members of congress in 1987 who believes his coming out was helpful to the cause of gay rights because "the best antidote to prejudice is reality."
After seeing the redrawn lines of his district and in the midst of a terminally divided government, Mr. Frank has decided to retire. The redistricting adds 325,000 new constituents and would no longer include New Bedford, one of his strongholds. Whether then spending his time left campaigning for one term (as he planned to retire at the end of 2014) he has decided to retire early and continue fighting for federal deficit reduction and for changes in the financial industry.
Barney Frank stood up to the banking industry in the aftermath of our financial crisis, refusing to apologize when they complained of his harsh tone. At 71, his retirement is certainly well deserved. Although he made clear that this is not a retirement of his advocacy, believing that he will have a greater impact writing and speaking for change outside of the constricting political process.
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