A Farewell to Independents

Sen. Jeffords, a Veteran on Education, to Retire

The Senate will be losing its only Independent voice. No doubt, many lawmakers would claim that title, but only one senator can do so with a capital “I.”

Sen. James M. Jeffords of Vermont, the chamber’s sole Independent and a former chairman of the education committee, announced last week that he’s calling it quits. He won’t seek re-election to a fourth term next year.

He pointed to his wife Elizabeth Dailey’s battle with cancer as the main reason, but also...