Captain of the mortgage mess, Rep. Barney Frank is calling it quits.

“Channel Five News in Boston has announced that Rep. Barney Frank will not run for re-election in 2012. The longtime liberal stalwart and co-author of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill plans to announce his impending retirement at a 1 p.m. press conference.

Frank was elected to his 16th term in the toughest re-election battle he had faced in years in 2010, when he defeated newcomer Republican Sean Bielat. He has represented the 4th District since 1981 and is chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.”

Truth is that because of redistricting he’s seen the writing on the wall. The newly drawn lines include more conservative voters and would not include the blue-collar city of Bedford. Doesn’t bode well at all for Dems in 2012, not at all.