North Dakota Sen Byron Dorgan's Statement on Retirement

A huge, and unexpected, announcement today from North Dakota Democratic Senator Byron Dorgan-who announced that he would not seek re-election this year.

Below is the Senator's Statement:

“Although I still have a passion for public service and enjoy my work in the Senate, I have other interests and I have other things I would like to pursue outside of public life.  I have written two books and have an invitation from a publisher to write two more books.  I would like to do some teaching and would also like to work on energy policy in the private sector.
 
“So, over this holiday season, I have come to the conclusion, with the support of my family, that I will not be seeking another term in the U.S. Senate in 2010.  It is a hard decision to make after thirty years in the Congress, but I believe it is the right time for me to pursue these other interests.
 
“Let me be clear that this decision does not relate to any dissatisfaction that I have about serving in the Senate. Yes, I wish there was less rancor and more bipartisanship in the U.S. Senate these days.  But still, it is a great privilege to serve and I have the utmost respect for all of the men and women with whom I serve."


UPDATE: President Obama's Statement on Dorgan's retirement. Sources say that it caught the White House, and the Democratic Party, off guard:


" 'Senator Dorgan should be very proud of his more than 30 years of devoted service in the United States Congress and to the people of North Dakota. From fighting for our energy future to standing with North Dakota's families through difficult economic times, Senator Dorgan has been a trusted leader for the people of his state. He has also been a champion for our family farmers and a powerful voice for Indian Country - particularly through his recent work to improve Indian health care services. Michelle and I extend our gratitude for his service to our nation and our very best wishes for the future for him and his family"