Ohio Rep. LaTourette to issue surprise retirement announcement

— -- Republican Rep. Steve LaTourette of Ohio has decided to retire rather than seek re-election, the Columbus Dispatch first reported Monday evening.

The Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports LaTourette has  scheduled a "major announcement" for 10 a.m. EDT Tuesday. A source told the newspaper the nine-term lawmaker was prompted to leave Congress over a dispute with House leadership regarding committee assignments. He currently serves on the Appropriations Committee following a long stint on Transportation.

LaTourette's decision leaves his party in an immediate electoral lurch--he already won the Republican nomination in his 14th District primary in March.