U.S. Congressman Henry Brown will take himself out to pasture today at a 2 p.m. press conference in his district.
In other words, he's not seeking reelection and will retire after this term. Why, however, is so revealing of what he's truly stood for.
Sources said Brown was upset with being a member of the minority party in Washington. And at 74 years old, age was also a factor in Brown’s decision not to run again.
Well said, and pretty much tells you that all the so-called power he had was only for self-intended reasons. Instead of getting beat – and he would – he chooses to bow out.
Instead of defending the record he has of not doing what's good for South Carolina and his district, he'll step down because he's "upset" with his role in Congress.
If this is a reason, then let me say on behalf the thousands in your district, we've been upset longer than you have while you were in office.
Now, I hope a real leader can be elected - from the Democratic Party, of course - and can encompass the whole district, specifically Georgetown, in the revitalization and improvement the person offers.
Here's his statement:
After twenty-eight years in elected office, I have decided not to offer for re-election to Congress in 2010 from the First Congressional District of South Carolina.
I have arrived at this decision after much thought and prayer. In contemplating my choices, I have come to learn that there is never a good time to make an announcement such as the one I am making today. It is my hope and belief that by publicly stating my intentions at this time, it will allow interested individuals adequate time to contemplate running and sufficient time to organize and launch a campaign if they indeed feel led to do so.
While this has been a difficult decision to make, I am convinced that it is the right time for me to step down from public service in the Congress of the United States.
I first contemplated this choice in 2008, but I was besieged with appeals to continue to serve because of the fact that whoever won the election, we were going to have a new President leading our country, and that my best contribution to our country at that time would be to continue serving in Congress.
In 2008, the citizens of the First Congressional District were kind enough to reelect me with 70% of the vote in the primary, and by a plurality of more than 14,000 votes in the general election. The residents of this district have always been kind to me and my family, and after 28 years of public service I am stepping down with a 68% approval rating. I consider myself a very blessed person.
Words cannot express my deepest gratitude to my wife Billye, to my congressional staff, to my many loyal supporters, and to the thousands of citizens who have entrusted me with the privilege of representing them over nearly three decades of public service..
I am looking forward to spending more time at my family farm and to enjoying life without the extensive travel demands that are so much a part of public service today.
Despite my many disagreements with the political and legislative direction of our country under the present administration, I leave office with the highest faith in the people of this great nation, and in their instinctive ability to right the ship when we encounter turbulent days, as we have over the past few years.
Congress has been a special place to serve, where only 36 people have had the chance to serve the people of the First District since 1801. Words cannot express my appreciation for the chance to be one of that select group.
May God bless each of you, and may God bless the United States of America.