Sources say Ohio Republican plans to retire seat next year

WASHINGTON – Ohio Sen. George Voinovich has told associates he intends to retire next year rather than seek a new term, party officials said Sunday night.

He is the fourth Republican to make departure plans since the Democratic landslide in November.

The officials said Voinovich intended to make a formal announcement today.

They spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they were not authorized to discuss Voinovich’s plans.

Voinovich spokesman Chris Paulitz on Sunday wouldn’t confirm the decision. But he said a statement would be released this morning, and Voinovich would hold a press conference this afternoon.

Voinovich, 72, is one of the most popular Republican politicians in recent history in Ohio, and served as mayor of Cleveland and a two-term governor before his election to the Senate in 1998. He was considered a strong favorite for re-election if he had chosen to seek a third term in 2010.

Now, Democrats are likely to invest heavily in trying to win the seat.

In recent weeks, Sens. Kit Bond of Missouri, Mel Martinez of Florida and Sam Brownback of Kansas have all announced plans to retire in 2010.

Democrats currently hold a 57-41 majority in the Senate with two vacancies.

In Illinois, Democrat Roland Burris appears on track to take the place of President-elect Barack Obama, despite controversy over his appointment by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who faces criminal charges.

In Minnesota, Democrat Al Franken holds a thin lead over former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman after a statewide recount. Coleman has filed a lawsuit challenging the results.