David Obey, a major power in the Democratic Party and chairman of the powerful House Apprpriations Committee is retiring.  He is a left-wing Congressman who may have shifted too far to the left for his increasingly right-leaning state (Senator Feingold is not faring well). Obey will be giving up a powerful position as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.Politico reports:When POLITICO contacted Sean Duffy, a leading Republican candidate for Obey's seat back in Wisconsin, he was incredulous. "Is this a prank call?" Duffy asked. When Duffy was assured that the news was real, his phone started ringing on the other line: "I've got to go. I'm blowing up." Duffy, best-known nationally for his appearance on MTV's Real World a decade ago, is the Ashland County district attorney. "This move clears the way for Duffy to be the next congressman from northwest Wisconsin. His campaign has gotten national attention and he's running a very well-oiled grassroots...(Read Full Post)