Annie Kuster wants to be an “example” for aging colleagues to retire

In an interview with the Boston Globe, Kuster, 68, said she hopes she can inspire some of her older fellow lawmakers on both sides of the ballot to consider retiring — a final farewell message as news of the extended absence of Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX ) limited in House votes due to health problems marks a year of concern about the age and mental capacity of Washington’s leaders.

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“I’m trying to set a better example,” Kuster said. “I think there are colleagues – and some of them are still very successful and very productive – but others just stay forever.”

Kuster, the New Democrat Coalition leader, announced in March that she would not seek another term representing New Hampshire’s 2nd District, a seat she has held since 2013.

Many aging lawmakers, like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), 84, and those with existing medical conditions or diagnoses, like Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), 74, decided to seek another term. Others, like Granger, 81, and Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA), 88, decided this term in Congress would be their last.

However, Granger made headlines when it was revealed that she was living in a memory care facility and failing to fulfill her duties as a congresswoman, surprising both her Republican colleagues and her constituents. The news sparked criticism from both sides and renewed calls for term limits or cognitive tests for lawmakers.

President Joe Biden was at the top of the list this year when it came to age concerns. Kuster said in her interview that while the 82-year-old president was coherent and that she was confident he could fulfill his term, he spoke “very softly” and that his aging was obvious.

“At that time it was difficult for me to ask: What can one person do?” said Kuster. “You know, I’ve talked to people about it and talked to the campaign. Looking back, it’s just hard to know.”

Things became increasingly difficult for Kuster after Biden’s lackluster debate against President-elect Donald Trump, which served as one of the many nails in the coffin of his re-election campaign. Biden joined a Zoom call hosted by Kuster and the New Dems, which became tense as members challenged him on his abilities.

“It was painful,” Kuster said, recalling how she prepared her remarks for that call. “I haven’t had conversations like this since I talked to my own parents about their age and limitations.”

Kuster, however, did not address complaints that Democrats helped hide Biden’s declining mental abilities, she said his “team could have it.”

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After six terms in office, Kuster said she can leave Capitol Hill feeling like she has accomplished most of what she set out to do.

“Twelve years is a good amount of time to get behind the wheel and try to make a difference on these issues,” Kuster said. “I can’t say we’ve solved them, but I think we’ve made a difference, not just through a change in policy, a change in funding, but also through a change in attitudes.”