George Miller and the Ruling Class of 1974

George Miller of California, one of the most senior House Democrats, announced today that he's retiring at the end of this term. Miller is one of the last of the "Watergate babies," the historic class elected in 1974; only Henry Waxman remains from that class in the House, with Pat Leahy the sole survivor in the Senate. (Democratic Senators Max Baucus and Tom Harkin were both elected to the House in 1974, as well, but they've already announced their coming retirements.)

Miller's career is a good reminder that individual members matter, even in the current strong-party era. He's been a legislative leader on several issues, perhaps most notably the No Child Left Behind education reform signed into law by President George W. Bush. Miller was also one of several veteran Watergate babies who were key players on the Affordable Care Act.