Mass Republican Resignations, But Why?

Something strange is going on.

In the last couple of months, several sitting Republican members of Congress have announced their intentions either to resign prematurely or not to seek re-election. The list includes Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-TX, Sen. Pete Domenici, R-NM, Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-NB, Sen. John Warner, R-VA, Sen. Wayne Allard, R-CO, former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, R-IL, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-CA, Rep. David Hobson, R-OH, Rep. Jerry Weller, R-IL, Rep. Ray LaHood, R-IL, Rep. Chip Pickering, R-MS, Rep. Deborah Pryce, R-OH, and Rep. Ralph Regula, R-OH.

Although some are resigning for age or health reasons, most are perfectly viable candidates for re-election. It's an lemming-like exodus unlike anything I remember, and it makes me wonder what they know that I don't.

A lot, probably.