why did he lose re-election in 2000 in Delaware. If you've been in office for a certain period of time, I would think you would be a shoo-in for re-election. Not only did he lose but he lost by twelve points which is rare for someone with that amount of seniority. What happened?
Two things from what I understand,
1. He was old and his age somewhat limited him in his abilty to counter a strong oppenent in the form of popular outgoing governor Tom Carper.
2. He pledged to not run for another term and then turned around and broke that promise.