GOP sees opportunity in Frank's leaving

BOSTON (WWLP) - Congressman Barney Frank says that he will not seek reelection in 2012, and political movers and shakers are shocked by the announcement.

Frank (D-Newton) is the first openly-gay member of Congress whose name is attached to a high profile piece of legislation; the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which was passed last year. Congressman Frank has served in Congress, representing the Fourth Congressional District of Massachusetts since 1981.

Members of the Democratic Party were shocked by his decision not to seek reelection, while members of the Republican Party see it as an opportunity.

“I don't think anybody in Massachusetts was anticipating this announcement today,” said John Walsh, Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

“I think obviously that district is a little bit more Republican-friendly in the sense that it's the heart of an area that has historically voted that way, so I think there's some real opportunities there,” said Sen. Richard Ross (R-Wrentham). Home to U.S. Senator Scott Brown, Republican-leaning Wrentham is among the communities that have been incorporated into the new district replacing Frank’s current one.

Earlier in the year, Frank had indicated that he would seek one more term in Congress, but at a news conference held Monday in Newton, Frank said he changed his mind partially because of the state's new redistricting map, which includes towns he has never represented before.