Democrat McNulty confirms retirement plans

ALBANY, N.Y., Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Rep. Michael McNulty, D-N.Y., announced his retirement from Congress Monday, making him the first Democrat to officially retire this cycle.

“I am pleased to announce that when my 10th term in the United States House of Representatives expires in January of 2009, I am coming home to the people and the community I love so much,” said McNulty at an Albany, N.Y., press conference, The Hill reported. “Words could not adequately express the gratitude I feel today. Surely, I am one of the luckiest people on the face of the earth.”

McNulty said that his health was not the main reason for his retirement, although he was diagnosed with polio when he was two and is still affected by post polio syndrome, The Hill said.

He added that his "condition has not yet affected my ability to do this job, but I know that someday it could."

Reps. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and Tom Allen (D-Maine) are also both leaving the House of Representatives, but are both pursuing seats on the Senate.