Longtime Western Massachusetts Congressman John Olver will retire at the end of his current term.
The Massachusetts Democrat first took office in 1968. Mr. Olver is widely seen as one of the most liberal members of Congress, representing a district that is traditionally Republican friendly. His district covers about 40 percent of the state, from the western border to northern Worcester County.
Mr. Olver has won a state or federal election every two years since 1968, plus one special election to Congress in 1991, giving him more continuous time in public office than any of his Bay State colleagues.
Mr. Olver, through his spokesperson, declined today to be interviewed about his decision.
