Is McCarthy Going to Leave the State Legislature?

Iowa Independent had a story last week about Civic Skinny reporting that House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy might not run for reelection in 2010.

A leader in the Iowa legislature tells Des Moines’ resident gossip columnist, Civic Skinny, that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has been making none-too-subtle moves indicating he isn’t interested in running for re-election in 2010.

McCarthy, who was first elected in 2003, has discussed new careers with Gov. Chet Culver and others in the private sector, sources tell Skinny. The Des Moines Democrat serves as the second in command to House Speaker Pat Murphy, D-Dubuque. His district is considered one of the safest Democratic districts in Iowa, encompassing a large swath of Des Moines’ southeast side. So while McCarthy’s departure won’t mean a net loss for the Democrats, it could have impact on the workings of the House caucus.

Civic Skinny says McCarthy has talked with Gov. Culver about a job in his administration. When I first heard about this, I thought McCarthy might be eyeing a run for Congress in Iowa's 3rd district that is currently held by Leonard Boswell. This is all pure speculation, but maybe McCarthy knows Boswell is going to retire. McCarthy would be the logical choice of party insiders to be the nominee.