Sen. Carper’s Statement on News Journal Editorial Editor John Sweeney

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement on News Journal Editorial Editor John Sweeney’s decision to step down from his position after more than 26 years at Delaware’s only statewide newspaper.

“Today is truly bittersweet. John Sweeney has dedicated his long and distinguished career to delivering the news and serving as the voice of the News Journal and the Delaware community. A native Philadelphian, John served our nation in the Air Force and then attended Temple University on the G.I. Bill. Not long after graduation, he started his career in news, eventually landing at the News Journal in 1989 as the Public Editor. I had the joy and privilege of working with him and getting know him better after he took over as Editorial Page Editor in 2005. Over the years, I have enjoyed our regular conversations about everything from what’s happening here in the First State, to my work in the Senate, to foreign affairs.

“I consider John Sweeney a partner in public service. We serve our state in our very different roles, but with the similar missions – to do the work of the people who call Delaware home. John believes that the friends and neighbors that make up the community that we are privileged to serve are entitled to hear many points of view in order for our democracy to truly thrive. While we didn’t always agree on the issues, we always agreed on that. I wish John and his family the best of luck in all that lies ahead, and as we say in the Navy, ‘fair winds and following seas.’ Bravo Zulu.”