Democratic Congressman Marion Berry will announce his retirement on Monday, according to two unidentified sources close to the seven-term congressman.
Berry, 67, of Gillett, first elected in 1996, had been rumored to be stepping down for weeks. He informed his staff Sunday afternoon that he would not be running for reelection.
Until thsi weekend, even many of Berry’s closest supporters believed he would run for reelection. His retirement throws open another congressional seat in Arkansas. Last week, Rep. Vic Snyder, D-Little Rock, also a Democrat, announced his retirement after seven terms. And Republican Congressman John Boozman of Rogers has strongly indicated that he will challenge Democratic Senator Blanche Lincoln.