Hobson prepares for life after Congress

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) - After nearly two decades in Congress, David Hobson is stepping down at the end of the year.

But the 72-year-old Republican power broker from Ohio will not likely sit still -- he's talking to colleges about teaching, law firms about consulting and has renewed his real estate license.

As for Congress, he suspects it's time to go.

"I sense it's time, but I don't want to recognize it's time," Hobson said. "It's bittersweet. I enjoyed it here."

Along with longtime Rep. Ralph Regula, R-Ohio, who is also retiring, Hobson made a name as a cardinal -- one of the handful of lawmakers who chair the House Appropriations Committee subcommittees.

Hobson bucked the Bush administration on issues such as the use of nuclear weapons and worked to revamp how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prioritized projects. But in his congressional district, he'll be remembered for the millions of dollars he helped garner for infrastructure projects, money for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and for the cleanup of the former Mound nuclear-weapons plant.

"I don't think we'll ever see anyone with his ability to bring money back to Ohio again in our lifetime," said Michael Gessel, vice president of government relations at the Dayton Development Coalition.

Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland, a Democrat, said that without Hobson, Springfield's Air National Guard base would lie dormant. When the federal base realignment and closure commission decided in 2005 to end flight training at that base, Hobson lured the Royal Netherlands Air Force to the site.

Copeland said Hobson has been successful because of his dealmaking ability.

"Part of making the deal is understanding what each interest is and finding a way to make everyone feel like they got at least part of what they wanted," Copeland said. "I think he does that."

Hobson was recruited into a political career in 1981 when a buddy urged him to run for state representative. He did -- and lost. But four weeks later, then-state Sen. Paul Gillmor helped Hobson land an appointment to the state Senate.

Hobson later ascended to committee chairman, then whip, then president pro tempore.

When then-Rep. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, ran for lieutenant governor, it was a natural progression: Hobson decided to run for DeWine's seat in Congress.

"I was not unhappy in the state Senate," he said. "But there was no place else for me to go. And the opportunity to walk into the U.S. Congress without a real fight? Geez, that decision was easy."

Looking back, Hobson regretted that Congress did not spearhead more legislation on environmentally-friendly buildings. Other items on his wish list include more advances in nuclear power and more health care initiatives.

"One of the things you learn is you can't do everything," he said. "But I think we made a difference in a number of areas."

Hobson nearly retired in 2000 and even sold his Washington-area condo. But in the end, he couldn't do it.

"There's lots of joy in it -- the joy of giving back," he said of his time in Congress. "I was raised to be a Methodist minister, but I didn't have the guts enough to do it. I think this is my way of giving back."