March 20, 2004
Congressman Jim McCrery will run for Congress.
Contrary to some reports Congressman McCrery's only concern involved
in seeking office again was his family. There was never any question
of McCrery leaving Congress because of disillusion or frustration
with his job. He enjoyed his job and was looking forward to perhaps
being the chairman of the powerful Way and Means Committiee in
the future. The weekly commutes between DC and Shreveport was
a putting a strain on his family. His wife needed help with the
children and the children needed their dad.
Several options were explored before
the decision was made to give up his seat in the house. Congressman
McCrery notified the President and other leaders of the House,
he would not seek another term in Congress.
With obvious emoting, McCrery related how his decision was changed
- the day after talking to the President, McCrery was on his way
to work in bumper to bumper trafficwhen his cell phone rang...it
was his wife. She told him she had been up all night thinking,
praying, and crying over the situation. She had a solution. They
had discussed the possibility of moving the family to DC but little
serious consideration was given to it. Now she wanted to move
the family to DC so he would continue a job he enjoyed and have
his family.
Way to go Johnette!
