Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.) became the third Democrat in as many weeks to announce he will not seek re-election next year. Baird and Reps. Dennis Moore (D-Kan.) and John Tanner (D-Tenn.) hail from competitive districts that Republicans are targeting as prime pick-up opportunities next year. Their exits also signal what could be a tough 2010 midterm election cycle for Democrats.

Baird's released statement: "The time has now come to pursue other options, other ways of serving. Hence, I am announcing today that I do not intend to seek reelection to Congress in 2010. This is not an easy decision to be sure, but I believe it is the right decision at the right time."

Baird has represented the 3rd District of Washington since 1998, and his winning percentage has increased in each election since. However, President Obama carried the Olympia-based district in the southwest corner of the state with just 53% of the vote. Four years earlier, President Bush won the district with 50% of the vote.

In a released statement, NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions said Baird's retirement "speaks to the shifting political environment" and "it is clear that members of the Majority are feeling the ground shaking beneath them."