Politicos of 2009, We Hardly Knew Ye

For many in America, 2009 was a year of beginnings: of the Obama presidency, comprehensive health care reform, movement in the battle against climate change, and the new Republican identity as the opposition party. For these ten politicians, however, it marked the end of a chapter of their political careers. Some sought to escape the spotlight; others were pushed out; and some simply had higher aspirations.

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