Over the weekend, New York GOP Rep. Richard Hanna announced he would not seek a fourth term in his swing seat covering Binghamton and Utica. Hanna, a wealthy construction businessman, is the most liberal Republican left in the House and his move comes not only as a boon to Democrats looking to pick up his seat but a setback for GOP leaders who count on his vote. Upstate Democrats needed some good news after their preferred candidate in the nearby open 19th District, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein, announced on Friday he would not run. The 22nd CD gave 49 percent to each presidential candidate in both 2008 and 2012, but Hanna is highly popular and was basically unbeatable in a general election. Now, Democrats have a chance. However, Hanna's retirement is also a setback for Speaker Paul Ryan, whose job may get more difficult in 2017. Hanna frequently voted with GOP leadership and Democrats on key bills. In fact, of the 18 Republicans retiring or seeking other office, 11 are "Dependables" or "Allies" on our House GOP Factions Chart,
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