Ohio GOP Congressman Announces Retirement Just Months Before Election

Rep. Steve LaTourette backed deficit-reduction plan that called for tax hikes, opposed Holder contempt charges.

Republicans tonight were trying to persuade Steven LaTourette to seek another term in Congress as reports circulated that the Bainbridge Township Republican would step down at the end of this term.

Several GOP sources said that LaTourette, a nine-term House member from northeastern Ohio, had decided not to run for re-election, leaving the party rushing to find a replacement for the Nov. 6 election.

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett told the Associated Press tonight that LaTourette had told him that he will not be a candidate in November.