Byron Dorgan retires

Sen. Byron Dorgan, a veteran North Dakota Democrat, gave Republicans an unexpected opportunity to capture a Senate seat after he announced plans to retire Tuesday.

Dorgan, 67, disclosed his decision not to seek re-election this fall in a late-day statement released by his office. It prompted immediate jubilation among Republicans, who see a golden opportunity to pick up an open Senate seat in a state where President Obama won just 45% of the vote last year.

Read more from USA Today.