Yet another Republican has decided to hang up his spurs. Rep. Terry Everett (R-AL) confirmed months of speculation today by announcing his retirement.

Everett is the ninth House Republican set to retire next year. But unlike the recent retirements of Reps. Jerry Weller (IL) and Jim Ramstad (MN), who are from moderate districts, Everett's district should be much safer territory for the GOP to defend — it delivered roughly two-thirds of its votes to President Bush in 2004.