Democrat Tom Harkin announced this morning he will not seek reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2014.
Harkin spoke to the Iowa Democratic Party’s State Central Committee meeting in Des Moines.
“I’m not quitting today. This is not a time for legacy talks or anything like this. It’s a time for looking ahead. It’s time for us, now, to renew our vigor, to make sure we find the best candidate possible…That we really get behind these good candidates and bring them in, and so this is not a goodbye speech. I’m not saying good folks. I’m going to be very much a part of you for the next two years and beyond,” Harkin said near the conclusion of his remarks. “…It’s my life. I just am going to do it in a different way from now…
Many committee members had tears running down their cheeks. Harkin was dry-eyed during his speech and afterwards during an interview with Radio Iowa.
“I’m perfect healthy…I’m not afraid of losing an election,” Harkin said. “…It’s just time.”
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