Glenn Expected To Retire Next Year

Sen. John Glenn, the Ohio Democrat and former astronaut who was the first American to orbit Earth, is expected to announce Thursday that he will not seek re-election to a fifth term next year.

Glenn’s announcement is to coincide with the 35th anniversary of his flight into space.

Glenn, 75, was first elected to the Senate in 1974. He has told friends that he is ready to retire and wants to spend more time with his wife, his childhood sweetheart.

With the Republicans now in control of the Senate, 55-45, President Clinton and other Democratic Party leaders have beseeched Glenn to run one more time. But all indications are that he will bow out Thursday, at an appearance at his alma mater, Muskingum College in Ohio.