Retire or Run? Congressman Lewis' Plans Unknown

Speculation over Congressman Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) future plans continues to grow.

An article by political blog Flashreport.org reported that the congressman may be headed toward retirement.

According to Flashreport:

“We have confirmed that longtime Republican Congressman Jerry Lewis of the Inland Empire has been making phone calls to supporters today indicating that he is not running for re-election. We are not prepared to say this means he actually is retiring, since he has been rumored to be retiring before, and he keeps running again, and again.”

Lewis’ office did not confirm the report.

“He has not made any announcements to supporters or staff about his reelection plans,” said Jim Specht Lewis’ Deputy Chief of Staff adding that an announcement would be issued as soon as the congressman made his decision.

The California Citizens Redistricting Commission created a more politically mixed district for Lewis when it redrew district boundaries. They cut into Congressman Joe Baca’s (D-Rialto) district, an area that leans democratic.

According to reports, Lewis plans to make an announcement about his future next week when he comes back to his district.

The filing deadline for the Congressional races in California is March 9.