Sorry Gray...Cooper Is a Lifer

Rep. Jim Cooper says that the House of Reps can't get rid of him that easily:

“I already have a great job representing the people of the Nashville area in Congress. I am not interested in doing anything else. I want to stay put as the 5th District Congressman as long as the voters continue to support me. Although I strongly support Senator Obama for president, he’ll need to look beyond me for his team—and there will be no shortage of smart people to help him.”

That's what they all say...though, in his case, it might be more true, as he'd have to move to Washington if he were to take a position within the Obama administration. Though, if his President asks, will Jim Cooper refuse to serve? Somebody get Andrea Mitchell to interview him and ask the same question 20 different ways to try and get a different answer.

See Also: "Media" Speculation and more speculation

Also, missed this yesterday, but Ken Whitehouse laid out potential replacements for Cooper if he were to leave his seat.