In a surprise announcement today Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank announces he will not seek re-election.   Something tells me there is more to this story than simple retirement.   Either: a) internal polling shows he would lose a re-election bid and a lack of fundraising capability would confirm. Or  b) There is another scandal (corruption or Weineresque)  that we don’t yet know about.   Something not passing the “sniff” test on this.  Something…….

(The Hill) — Responding to reports that Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) will not seek reelection, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) called the 71-year-old congressman a “historic pioneer in American politics” and a personal mentor.
“This is a man of incredible intellect. A powerhouse who has championed the rights of consumers in the financial services community,” Wasserman Schultz said. “I really have a heavy heart today. I’m going to miss him terribly.”
Wasserman Schultz, who frequently speaks on behalf of the Democratic Party, told reporters on Monday that while Frank’s retirement was a major loss for the country, it was something he had been contemplating for a long time.  (read more)
Obviously, for conservative challenger Sean Bielat, who came close to taking the seat in 2010, this opens the door for him to easily win the seat if he chooses to run again.