Congressman Richard Baker of Baton Rouge is retiring from public life.

The announcement came this morning that Baker will take a job in the private sector as the president and chief executive officer of the Managed Funds Association. That is the primary trade association of the hedge fund industry.

A spokeswoman says he begins his new job next month.

The Louisiana Republican has represented Louisiana's 6th Congressional District since 1986.    The 6th District includes: 
East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Saint Helena, Point Coupee, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, East Feliciana and West Feliciana Parishes.

Governor Bobby Jindal will have to call a special session to fill the seat.

Read Baker's bio:http://baker.house.gov/html/bio.cfm