The only Independent in the U.S. Senate, Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords, announced that he will retire when his term ends next year. Jeffords changed the face of the Senate four years ago when he left the Republican party and became an independent, changing the balance of power in favor of the Democrats. Since that time, the Vermont Senator has voted with and raised funds for the Democrats.

The 70-year-old Jeffords had previously told reporters and supporters he would seek reelection in 2006 but speculation has arisen that health concerns may have influenced his decision. Jeffords has a very bad back and a painful neck condition. Some reporters say he has appeared confused recently while trying to answer their questions. In addition, Jeffords' wife, Liz, has cancer.

Jeffords was first elected to the House of Representatives as a Republican in 1974. By 1988, he was a Republican Senator.

In May 24, 2001, he announced he was leaving the Republican party to become an independent, citing differences with the Bush Administration. 'In order to best represent my state of Vermont, my own conscience and principles that I have stood for my whole life, I will leave the Republican Party and become an independent,' Jeffords announced.

Possible successors to Jeffords include Vermont Congressman Bernie Sanders, the only Independent in the House, and Republicans Richard Tarrant, a business executive, and Governor James Douglas. Nobody has made any official announcements yet although Sanders has indicated he would run for the Senate seat if Jeffords did not.