A few recent announced departures in the face of the fading hopes of Donkey Party re-elections.

Close to home…a ND Senator, with an additional note on the 1-term Colorado gov. also bailing out.
Dorgan says he will not seek re-election in fall

North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan said Tuesday he will not seek re-election to the Senate in November, a surprise announcement that dealt another blow to Democrats already struggling to protect their Senate majority.

Adding to the party’s woes: Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, considered a rising star in the Democratic Party, won’t run for a second term this fall, according to two Democrats with knowledge of Ritter’s decision. They spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the governor’s political plans public.

…and not so close, another Donk vet officeholder bites the dust:
Conn. Sen. Dodd to announce retirement

Dodd, a leading Democrat whose political star has wavered, is expected to announce Wednesday that he won’t run for reelection in Nov., sources say.

Dodd’s retirement comes after months of speculation about his political future, and amid faltering polling numbers and a growing sense among the Democratic establishment that he could not win a sixth term.

Hey guys…don’t let the door hit you in the seat on the way out!