Wave Bye Bye

So Paul Ryan won't run for reelection. He says he wants to spend more time with his family. (What do politicians without a family say?  That they want to take time off to start a family?  Or they just want to be alone?)

Paul Ryan, at 48, is not that old for a politician, especially one who's only two heartbeats away from the presidency. It's hard to believe anyone in such a situation would give up so much power.

I can't read his mind, but I would guess he doesn't like what he sees in the future, and maybe isn't that happy with the present.  Part of it may be having to work with an unpredictable and unconventional president.  But likely a lot of it is he sees his party in trouble.

It would still take a lot for the Democrats to win the House (and probably more to take back the Senate), but I would also think Ryan's announcement is a wake-up call.  Here's a guy with inside info.  It's way too early to tell, but if trends continue as they have, 2018 is shaping up as a wave election.