WASHINGTON, D.C. -- He had survived a democratic tidal wave in 2006. Returning to a Capitol Hill much changed, with democrats back in control. By the time 2008 rolled around, most believed James Walsh was in good shape headed into yet another re-election battle. He was raising money. Mending fences. It made his next announcement all the more stunning.

“The time has come for me to step down and leave public office,” Walsh said on January 24th.

A republican party, already facing tough times again, had yet another congressional district to worry about.

“Members of congress retire for various, different reasons. We respect that. That's part of the political game. And in the end we knew we knew we were going to have a tough row to hoe again in 2008 because of the type of district he represents and has represented so well,” said Ken Spain, NRCC spokesperson.

And while politicians find themselves darting about this year, raising money and meeting voters, Walsh is on a different pace. He may end up being one of the most relaxed people in Washington.

“It's different. It's not nearly as stressful or busy. All the campaign things, like raising money and meet and greets and those sort of events, I don't have to do those anymore,” Walsh said. “My free time has expanded. More time to work around the house. More time to be with family. More time to do the things that I want to do.”

The year 2009 will bring the first break for Jim Walsh in a long while. He comes from a political family. His father was mayor of Syracuse and later a congressman. Jim Walsh served for years on the Syracuse common council and then moved on to congress in 1988. Rising slowly through the ranks to serve on the powerful appropriations committee, helping direct how billions in federal dollars are spent.

“That's what I do,” Walsh said. “That's been my job for the last 14 years is producing bills, producing the legislation that goes with those and then taking it through subcommittee, full committee, floor and then conference with the Senate and then signature of the President.”

Walsh admits some frustrations as he serves out his final year in the House. Key questions on the economy and future energy policy remain unanswered. Walsh could be freer than he ever was to vote whichever way he wants on major bills. No voters to answer to this time around. Yet, he says, his basic approach to legislation remains unchanged.

“I've always felt very much in sync with my constituents. On almost every issue. And so I've always felt pretty free to vote the way I believe,” Walsh said. “You know, for 20 years, people have said to me, you know, I don't always agree with you, but most of the time I do. And when I don't, you have a pretty good reason for doing what you do.”

The major questions that he says remain unresolved might have been enough to change a lawmaker's mind about retirement. To convince him or her that one more term might make a difference. Walsh says, for him, there are no second thoughts.

“I've watched athletes have fabulous careers and stay too long. And being almost an embarrassment when they leave. I see members of congress who should have left here 10 or 15 years ago. Who hang on. I don't know why they do it,” said Walsh.

There have no decisions yet on a new job. But, Jim Walsh, nearing 61, says he looks forward to that next chapter. His life story, he says, is far from complete.

“I don't feel old. I have lots of energy. I'm curious. I've had a very full, rich life with my family. But I think there's more in me,” said Walsh. “We did great things. We did big things. And we did a lot of little things. We helped lots and lots, hundreds, thousands of people. I'll always have the good stuff. The good memories of this job. Always.”

The race for Walsh's open congressional seat is already well underway. Democrats have endorsed the same man who ran unsuccessfully for the job two years ago, Dan Maffei. Republicans have endorsed a former Onondaga County legislature chairman, Dale Sweetland, as their candidate in the 25th District contest.