Bart Gordon in the Running to Head Lobbying Association?

Tennessee Congressman Bart Gordon became the third in a quick succession of Democrats to announce their retirements from the House of Representatives in December, sparking talk of whether more moderate Dems would follow suit. (Some did.)

Now, he's reportedly on the short list to take over as head of the Credit Union National Association, a DC-based lobbying group for credit unions. Former Rep. Dan Mica (D-FL), who has served as CUNA's CEO for 13 years, announced to the board in August that he'll step down in January 2011.

The Credit Union Times reported last week that Gordon is in the running, whittled down from a long list of candidates, as is Missouri GOP Rep. Jo Ann Emerson:

Among the names that have been mentioned include California-Nevada Credit Union League President Bill Cheney, Massachusetts-New Hampshire Credit Union League President Dan Egan, Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) and Rep. Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.). None of them returned calls seeking comment.

A CUNA spokesman said the group isn't confirming or denying any specific candidates for the job. Gordon is still serving in the House until the expiration of his current term.

UPDATE: A statement from Gordon's spokeswoman, Emily Phelps: "For the remainder of the year, Congressman Gordon continues to hold what he considers the best job in the world--serving the people of Middle Tennessee in Congress and serving as chair of the Committee on Science and Technology," Phelps said. "He has yet to make any decisions on any future employment."

UPDATE 2: Gordon evidently did not get the job. CUNA announced today that it has named California/Nevada Credit Unions CEO William Cheney to succeed Mica.