On February 18, 2011, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) announced that he will not be seeking re-election for a sixth term in 2012.  Senator Bingaman is the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) is the next most senior Democrat on the panel.  Senator Bingaman stated that the end of the 112th Congress is the “right time” for him to step down after serving in the Senate since 1982.  Senator Bingaman is known for his understanding of energy issues and his bipartisan efforts, particularly by working closely with Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).
 
Senator Bingman’s statement is available here.