Tauzin Quits Chairmanship, Will Retire From House
By Frank Ahrens
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 4, 2004; Page A09
W.J. "Billy" Tauzin (La.), one of the most powerful Republicans in the House, will not seek reelection when his 12th term expires at the end of this year and will vacate the chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee effective Feb. 16.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10138-2004Feb3.htmlLA-3 voted for Bush 52%-45% in 2000. It's an ancestrally Democratic district, but culturally conservative.