Don Young

Yes, he is 76 years old, but Republican Rep. Don Young, has let Alaska know that he’s not ready to leave Congress after only 19 terms.

Young, the state’s only House member, has filed to run for re-election in 2010.  

“Maybe this will put to rest some of those people that are ambitious and want to run for this seat, understanding I’m there and the people will decide whether I stay or not,” Young told the Anchorage Daily News.  

Local news reports quote the congressman saying he announced early in the hope of deterring would-be challengers.