Good Riddance, Reptile*

Steve Israel, former Blue Dog who became the head of the Democratic Campaign Congressional campaign committee, and used his position to avoid challenging vulnerable Republicans when he wasn't trying to rebuild the Blue Dog Caucus, is retiring:

Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) won’t seek re-election to a ninth term in November in order to spend more time writing his second book, he said Tuesday.

The Democrat, who has held the seat since 2000, said in a statement, “It is time for me to pursue new passions and develop new interests, mainly spend more time writing my second novel.”

He said he is “looking forward to spending more time home and frequenting my beloved New York diners. Simply put, it’s time to pass on the torch.” He will complete his term and retire at the end of the year.

Any guesses on how long before he gets a lobbying gig with a seven figure salary for dictators, polluters, or despots?

I'll take the under on 2 months after he leaves office.

^*FWIW, Nancy Pelosi, when she made him of the DCCC, she admiringly noted his "Reptilian Tendencies."