Sen. Carper Statement on Leader Reid’s Retirement

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement after Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid announced he would not seek re-election in 2016.

“I want to thank and congratulate Harry Reid for all that he has done for our country, our party and the citizens of Nevada. Harry has been my friend since November 1982 when we were both elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He has ably led the Democratic Party in the Senate for most of my tenure in this body, and his presence will be sorely missed come 2017.

“The story of Harry’s life is one of incredible perseverance. He grew up in a two-room shack in a remote part of the desert, enduring a dysfunctional childhood in an environment of domestic violence and alcoholism. But Harry’s intent to succeed could not be stifled. As a young man, he hitchhiked miles upon miles to get to school and, as a young father, he worked as a Capitol Police officer at night while attending law school during the day.

“This steadfast determination led him to achieve many great things – among them being one of only three members in the history of the Senate to serve at least eight years as majority leader. I’m certain, however, that his greatest achievement is the life he has made with his high school sweetheart, Landra, their five children and 19 grandchildren.”
 

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