Posted on 12/15/2003 1:09:34 PM PST by RobFromGa
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/15/03 |
|
WASHINGTON (Dec. 15) - U.S. Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) today announced he will not seek re-election to the United States Senate after serving 31 years in the United States Congress. "There comes a time in every career when it is time to step aside, and let others step up and serve," Sen. Breaux said. "And for my family and me that time has arrived. I will not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate." Sen. Breaux, 59, talked about his long career in government saying,"it's been a great 35 years - a few as a staff person, 14 years as a member of Congress, representing southwest Louisiana, and it will be 18 years as a U.S. senator, representing our state of Louisiana. I had the privilege of serving with five governors and seven presidents." Sen. Breaux is a long-time moderate Democrat, a founder of the Democratic Leadership Council, and co-chairman of the Senate Centrist Coalition. "Throughout my years in Congress, I have been guided by a simple philosophy - to make government work for everyone," he said. "My sincere hope is that future Congresses will be able to pursue the center-out coalitions that I advocated. It is my hope that cooperation and legitimate compromise between our political parties will not be seen as political failure, but rather as a means of building a stronger democracy that serves our nation." Sen. Breaux's record of accomplishments and results include: * Imposing budget discipline and passing targeted, responsible tax cuts to the people and businesses who could do the most good. * Expanding trade opportunities for Louisiana industries, while fighting to protect growers and workers from unfair and illegal foreign trade practices. * Expanding the energy industry, while seeking alternative energy sources. * Reforming the nation's welfare system - emphasizing more work, but increasing funds for training, education and childcare. * Securing funds to preserve and restore Louisiana's wetlands, and educating the nation about the importance of protecting vanishing coastlines. * And, making healthcare more affordable and more accessible, and most recently - adding a prescription drug benefit to a reformed and modernized Medicare program. Sen. Breaux thanked his wife Lois saying, "I could not have asked for a more helpful and supportive partner and friend. No one has been more lucky and fortunate than me in finding you." He also recognized his four children, three grandchildren, father, mother-in-law, staff, colleagues, friends and supporters. Sen. Breaux concluded by saying: "I'm not leaving today. There is still a lot to get done this Congress. We have to get the energy bill passed, and I want to get started on legislation for the 40 million Americans who have no health insurance. And, I look forward to co-chairing with Governor-elect Kathleen Blanco the very important summit meeting on healthcare in Louisiana. "So, this is not goodbye. After working for more than half my life on issues important to Louisiana, I intend to continue that involvement in the future, but in a different capacity. But for now - thank you for the privilege and honor of serving Louisiana and our country."
|
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.