Democratic Representative Barney Frank of Massachusetts announced that he would not run for reelection. He said that the redistricting has made the campaign a more strenuous task. The 16-term legislator is known for the banking reform law that was passed by Congress last year. Barney Frank

There were rumors that Frank was ready for retirement. He said on Monday that he decided to retire after the law was passed and serve out his term but when the Republicans won the 2010 midterm, he decided to postpone his announcement so that he wouldn’t be seen as a lame duck.

During his retirement, Frank wants to do some writing, lecturing, and teaching. He said he would not turn into a lobbyist. He added that the best part of retiring is that he doesn’t have to pretend to be nice to people he doesn’t like.

Frank would remain an advocate of public policy, such as gay rights issues. He would also debate the Defense of Marriage Act against those who oppose it, such as former House Speaker and 2012 GOP presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich.

He criticized former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney for flip-flopping on issues. He said that Romney would be the best thing to happen to the Democratic Party since Barry Goldwater.