Sen. Carl Levin, 78, respected voice for Michigan, won't run for re-election

[CoolBlue71]

As a resident of Michigan, I find the news that senior U.S. Sen. Carl Levin not running for re-election in 2014 is good. He will be 80 that year, and some people have a problem with someone that old running for a six-year senate term. I did not like his voting for the last renewal of the Patriot Act and have been ready to see him go.


Sen. Carl Levin, 78, respected voice for Michigan, won't run for re-election

By Todd Spangler
March 7, 2013 | http://www.freep.com/article/2013030...un-re-election

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, who has been a force for progressivism in the Senate since 1979 and made his mark in recent years as chairman of the powerful Armed Services Committee, will not run for re-election next year, likely setting off a political avalanche of interest in the seat.

Levin, 78, released a statement Thursday afternoon saying he made the decision believing “I can best serve my state and my nation by concentrating in the next two years on the challenging issues before us … in other words, by doing my job without the distraction of campaigning for re-election.”

[JockBoy87]

Well being 80 didn't stop Frank Lautenberg or Strom Thurmond from being reelected, but that number I agree could put off voters.

As Chairman of the Armed Services Committee one of his biggest achievements was pushing for a repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell.

[bike10]

Great loss to the US Senate the Democratic majority.

[maxpowr9]

At 78, he should retire but be respected at the same time.

[CoolBlue71]

At 78, he should retire but be respected at the same time.

What do you mean?

[crimsonpaine]

I would think he wants him to resign now. He's 78 right now, his DOB is June 28, 1934

[maxpowr9]

I would think he wants him to resign now. He's 78 right now, his DOB is June 28, 1934

Exactly. He should enjoy the last years of his life instead of working.