Sen. Jon Kyl Reportedly Retiring

Most Senate retirements recently have come from Democrats in danger of losing re-election battles. But on Thursday, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., will reveal his decision to quit at a press conference in Arizona, a source tells Politico.

Kyl took office in 1995 and serves as the state’s junior senator to John McCain. The 68-year-old Phoenix resident also served as a member of the House from 1987-1995.

After joining the Senate, Kyl rose up the totem pole of leadership positions, including Policy Committee chairman (2003–2007), Conference chairman (2007) and most recently (in December 2007), Senate Minority Whip.

A reliable conservative, Kyl was a key point man in the GOP’s negotiations with the White House over the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia last year. Congress approved START in December, despite Kyl’s opposition.