Rep. Pete Visclosky
Rep. Pete Visclosky sends out retirement notice
Contributed By:The 411 News
After 35 years of hard work, won't seek re-election in 2020
Congressman Peter Visclosky, northwest Indiana’s long serving U.S. Representative (D) announced today that he will not seek re-election next year. Rep. Visclosky is the third most senior Democrat in the House and chairs the powerful defense appropriations committee, where he oversees a budget of more than $700 billion.
Rep. Visclosky released the following statement.
“On November 6th, 35 years ago today, I was elected to serve as Indiana’s First District U.S. Representative. Today, I announce that I will not seek re-election in 2020.
“For my entire career I have worked to build support for our domestic steel industry and organized labor, secure investments in transformational projects and improve our quality of place to benefit the only place I have ever called home.
“For the last 35 years our office has vigorously advocated on behalf of thousands of constituents for assistance on any number of local, state and federal issues. While we could never guarantee positive results, we could guarantee our hard work and best efforts.
“While some successes have been achieved, we still suffer from declining population – including the loss of over 15,000 school children since 2010. And far too many people lack fulfilling employment, economic opportunity and the hope for a better future. Much work remains to be done.
“Shakespeare wrote, ‘If to do were as easy as to know what were good to do, chapels had been churches and poor men’s cottages princes’ palaces.’ Progress has not always been easy.
“Too often we have blamed our problems on others whether in Washington or Indianapolis. Too often a sense of urgency has been blunted by the question, ‘What’s the hurry?’ And continued systemic racism has rendered a sense of community almost impossible to achieve.
“For those who wish to serve our next generation of citizens I would encourage each to apprise us of your vision for our area and the priorities you will dedicate your attention to at the national level. Be for something and not against someone. Strive to overcome the intolerance that grips our nation and recognize that only through mutual respect, rational discourse, cooperation and fair play can we build a good and strong community and country.
“In closing, I am forever indebted to the exceptional public servants who have served and continue to serve on my staff. Achievements were the result of the application of their talents and their tireless work.
“I thank the citizens of the First District for their trust and for providing me the incredible life privilege of serving you in the United States Congress.
“As one historian noted, Aristotle claimed the purpose of politics is not to make living together possible, but to make living well possible. I have worked very hard and to the best of my ability to achieve such a just and tolerant future. I will continue to do so until the adjournment of the 116th Congress.”
Rep. Visclosky has held the seat since his defeat of Rep. Katie Hall in 1985.
Story Posted:11/06/2019
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