Arkansas sees 2nd congressman retire in 10 days
The second of three sitting Democratic congressmen in Arkansas has announced his retirement effective at the end of this term. On January 15, 2nd District Congressman Vic Snyder announced that he would not seek reelection. This morning, 1st District Congressman Marion Berry announced that he also will forego another election for the U.S. House in 2010.
Berry was elected in 1996 when I was fresh out of college. No one couldn't appreciate his willingness to speak his mind (fast forward to 1:40), and I got to see that first hand several times. He'll be missed in my household. I did have the opportunity to work for his reelection efforts briefly in 2000. This announcement will bring out a lot of names, and we'll run through them all once this campaign for the 1st District develops.
Berry was elected in 1996 when I was fresh out of college. No one couldn't appreciate his willingness to speak his mind (fast forward to 1:40), and I got to see that first hand several times. He'll be missed in my household. I did have the opportunity to work for his reelection efforts briefly in 2000. This announcement will bring out a lot of names, and we'll run through them all once this campaign for the 1st District develops.
posted by Steve Harrelson @ 1/25/2010 08:56:00 AM | Permalink |
3 Comments:
A couple of statements:
Dustin McDaniel: Today, Representative Marion Berry (D-AR) announced his intention to retire from Congress. Serving Arkansas's First Congressional District since 1997, Berry has been an unwavering advocate for Arkansas's seniors, service men and women, farmers and families. He was instrumental in the passage of the 2002 Farm Bill and has been recognized as a leading national voice on agricultural issues. As a licensed pharmacist, he has spent his career championing better drug coverage for Medicare recipients and more affordable prescriptions for all Arkansans. The Delta Regional Authority—a state, local and federal effort to bolster economic conditions and improve the lives of Delta residents—was created out of legislation that was introduced and passed by Berry.
"I want to thank Marion Berry for his outstanding leadership and service to the First District of Arkansas. His many accomplishments will stand as a testament to his dedication to the working families he represents," said McDaniel. "Marion is more than a good friend to me. He is a valued mentor and inspiration in my own life and career, and he will remain so. I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for me personally since we met 14 years ago.
"With multiple open congressional seats, Arkansas politics is sure to be very interesting this year. I love serving Arkansas as our Attorney General, and I am hoping to be re-elected to a second term. Of course, the First Congressional District is my home. My family has been in Lawrence and Craighead Counties for many generations. In the coming days, many good people will consider making a run for this seat. I look forward to talking to the candidates and ultimately supporting one of them. However, today, my thoughts are with Marion and his family," McDaniel concluded.
DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen:
“For more than 30 years, the people of Arkansas’s 1st District have had an outstanding leader and dedicated public servant in Representative Marion Berry. His work on agriculture, economic, and veterans’ issues have positively affected the lives of many people in Arkansas and across America.
“We are confident that this district will continue to elect a Democratic candidate who shares Representative Berry’s values and commitment to standing up for the middle class in these challenging economic times.
“On behalf of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, I thank Representative Berry for his 13 years serving in Congress and wish him and his family all the best.”
Blanche Lincoln:
“I have worked closely with Congressman Berry since the days when I represented the First District, and he was serving in the White House as President Clinton's special assistant for Agricultural Trade and Food Assistance,” Lincoln said. “We have remained close personal friends ever since, having shared the honor of representing the people of the First District.
“As a strong voice for our Arkansas farmers and seniors, Congressman Berry has accomplished much for our state throughout his career in public service. Although his will be a tough act to follow, I will continue to seek his counsel on agriculture issues and other subjects of importance to Arkansas.
“I have been proud to serve with Congressman Berry, and I send well wishes to him and his wife, Carolyn. As we are on the campaign trail this year, I look forward to Congressman Berry’s support.”
Bill Halter:
From his home base of Gillett, Marion Berry has been a strong and energetic voice for the economic and agricultural interests of Arkansas’s vast 1st Congressional District throughout his 13-plus years as Congressman. Shanti and I thank him for his three decades of vigorous public service and we extend our best wishes to Marion and Carolyn as they look forward to more family time with their children and grandchildren.
I can think of one name in particular that could be brought up for one of these seats.....
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