Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) issued a statement today in response to Sen. Chris Dodd’s (D-CT) announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2010. Read the full text after the jump:
“Too often in politics, words get thrown around like ‘good friend’ or ‘remarkable colleague.’ For those of us who have shared in Chris’s laughter and stories, debated him, admired his progressive principles and moral core, or witnessed up-close his rare legislative skill learned from giants like his father and legends like Ted Kennedy, we know the full measure of those words when we talk about Chris Dodd, and we know this loss for the Senate will be felt a long time.
“Chris is just one hell of a Senator who exerted leadership across a number of vital issues. Rare is the Senator who could choose among the Chairmanships of the HELP, Foreign Relations, or Banking Committee. Connecticut will miss his voice in the Senate enormously. From family and medical leave to college affordability and health care, he leaves a legislative imprint that has made life better and the playing field more fair for millions of Americans.
“Chris brought to the Senate a grace, humility, and infectious sense of fun which he shared generously. His words today about fatherhood and family were especially poignant and real. That’s Chris. He treasures what he has been given in life, and we know today’s announcement marks a new chapter in a life he lives to the fullest. I know his life will continue to include public service. Teresa and I send Chris, Jackie, Grace, and Christina great wishes on this new start.”
