Shimkus Reaffirms Decision to Retire

15th District Congressman John Shimkus has reaffirmed his decision to retire at the end of his current term.

Shimkus had been approached to reconsider his decision after Congressman Greg Walden of Oregon announced his retirement plans. Walden's departure would make Shimkus the likely choice to be the Republican spokesman on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Shimkus said he spent last week in Washington and this past weekend at home reconsidering his decision, but announced he still plans to retire.