Frank's Departure The Latest High-Profile Mass. Political Shift

Rep. Barney Frank's announced retirement is just the latest shift in Massachusetts' congressional landscape.

The state is losing a district because of slow population growth, which means there will be just nine members of the congressional delegation. That's the lowest number since the late 18th century. And it's not just numbers, though, but the loss of iconic national figures like Frank and before him Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and former Speaker Tip O'Neill.

We asked former Rep. Marty Meehan, who is now chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, about the changes and Frank's departure.