One word John Boehner and Nancy Pelosi won't utter

But consider this: Even if one or the other were contemplating retirement, they would not likely say it out loud—at least not anytime soon.

While there’s no doubt that Boehner, 64, and Pelosi, 73, will have lucrative opportunities after Congress—books, lectures, consulting, or other well-paid jobs—there are a bevy of reasons why savvy legislative leaders will keep their plans secret until after November’s midterm elections.

From the ability to raise money to the chance to help name a successor, life is easier in Congress for those not haunted by major questions about their future plans, especially if those plans involve leaving the chamber.

As one Republican lawmaker put it, “Who’s going to go out of their way to put their neck out for somebody who is not going to be around next year?”