WASHINGTON, D.C — Three-term Senator Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, issued the following statement Tuesday with regard to her re-election campaign:
“After an extraordinary amount of reflection and consideration, I am announcing today that I will not be a candidate for re-election to the United States Senate.
“After 33 years in the Congress this was not an easy decision. My husband and I are in good health. We have laid an exceptionally strong foundation for the campaign, and I have no doubt I would have won re-election. It has been an indescribable honor and immeasurable privilege to serve the people of Maine, first in both houses of Maine’s legislature and later in both houses of Congress. To this day, I remain deeply passionate about public service, and I cherish the opportunity I have been given for nearly four decades to help improve the lives of my fellow Mainers.
“As I have long said, what motivates me is producing results for those who have entrusted me to be their voice and their champion, and I am filled with that same sense of responsibility today as I was on my first day in the Maine House of Representatives. I do find it frustrating, however, that an atmosphere of polarization and ‘my way or the highway’ ideologies has become pervasive in campaigns and in our governing institutions.
“With my Spartan ancestry I am a fighter at heart; and I am well prepared for the electoral battle, so that is not the issue. However, what I have had to consider is how productive an additional term would be. Unfortunately, I do not realistically expect the partisanship of recent years in the Senate to change over the short term. So at this stage of my tenure in public service, I have concluded that I am not prepared to commit myself to an additional six years in the Senate, which is what a fourth term would entail.
“As I enter a new chapter, I see a vital need for the political center in order for our democracy to flourish and to find solutions that unite rather than divide us. It is time for change in the way we govern, and I believe there are unique opportunities to build support for that change from outside the United States Senate. I intend to help give voice to my fellow citizens who believe, as I do, that we must return to an era of civility in government driven by a common purpose to fulfill the promise that is unique to America.
“In the meantime, as I complete my third term, I look forward to continuing to fight for the people of Maine and the future of our nation. And I will be forever and unyieldingly grateful for the trust that the people of Maine have placed in me, and for the phenomenal friendship and assistance I have received over the years from my colleagues, my supporters, and my staff, both in Maine and in Washington.” Senator Snowe will be scheduling a news conference in Portland, Maine, in order to further discuss her decision when she returns to her home state on Friday.
So who is she endorsing :
… ” what motivates me is producing results ….and I am filled with that same sense of responsibility today as I was on my first day in the Maine House of Representatives. I do find it frustrating, however, that an atmosphere of polarization and ‘my way or the highway’ ideologies has become pervasive in campaigns and in our governing institutions.
… Unfortunately, I do not realistically expect the partisanship of recent years in the Senate to change over the short term. So at this stage of my tenure in public service, I have concluded that I am not prepared to commit myself to an additional six years in the Senate,”
… “I see a vital need for the political center in order for our democracy to flourish and to find solutions that unite rather than divide us.”
That’s no one that I know of in the GOTea Party.
It doesn’t matter who she’s endorsing. The evidence is, in my opinion, is quite clear.
She is obviously disenchanted with her own party, she has tried to reach the middle road, and her party is not about to allow such deviation from the standards, that’s how the Republican’s work, it’s not about choice, its about loyalty to the party.
She has spent 33 years in government, she has seen many governors, many congressmen, many presidents and many issues…..I don’t think that one of them caused her to depart from her concern about this State.
Finally, she gets to rest, and finally people will be able to vote for change.
Maybe Senator you should make a run for the Blaine House and make history of being the only Husband and Wife both being Governor of our fair state not to mention the first female Governor. You would definitely get my vote.
why would she do that?
there is so little money to bilk out of taxpayers of the State of Maine, compared to the money she and Jock bilked by defrauding all of us with their University of Phoenix “never-paid-back, student-loans-for-the-homeless” scam
gee, ya think maybe she’ll be a lobbyist?
FINALLY !!!!!!!
Now hopefully the state of Maine will be “Smaht” enough to get a *Real* Republican (man) on the job, and do it RIGHT !*!&!^!%!$
You really are that opinionated aren’t you? A “real” republican “man”.
Adolf Hitler killed himself, TimothyMc Vay decided to kill hinself…………both killed women and children……..how real “man” was that?
Let’s go ahead an elect the Iron horsemen, or the Hell’s Angel’s , they can run as Pres and VP candidates. They are all trash, Lee Harvey Oswald was smarter than any of them, at least he had the nuts to do it on his own volition.. He didn’t need anyone’s help, and he was a hell of a lot smarter than…..”a real republican man”.
pathetic……it really is. A “real republican man”……..been there done that…time to move on.
SO….. Oh kay?!.. life is short so get overself !!!
Besides, what are YOU so prejudiced about???
***IF*** More* “men” weren’t so allergic to Sweattin’ a little bit, and the Dudes went to work instead of the “DUDETTES”, like it used to be back in the good ole’ days (pre-1960’s radical leftist women’s *lip* bowel-Movement StUfFfF) then our country as a whole would be much better of with MOMMY home with JR. and DADDY workin’ for a livin’.
MOMMY & DADDY = Woman & MAN married, not the *Perverted* view of M&D as in “Todays’ debauched society.
p.s., Don’t blow a Gasket rusjan reading MY Opinion, just take 2 mydol and call me when you need MORE straightenin’ out,,,,,,,, OK DEAR ?!?!?!?
Peace & LOVE !!! 357 FoReVer……;<)
@357madman—you mean like George W?
no, like Barry Goldwater or Ron Paul
SO….. Oh kay?!.. life is short so get overself !!!
Besides, what are YOU so prejudiced about???
***IF*** More* “men” weren’t so allergic to Sweattin’ a little bit, and the Dudes went to work instead of the “DUDETTES”, like it used to be back in the good ole’ days (pre-1960’s radical leftist women’s *lip* bowel-Movement StUfFfF) then our country as a whole would be much better of with MOMMY home with JR. and DADDY workin’ for a livin’.
MOMMY & DADDY = Woman & MAN married, not the *Perverted* view of M&D as in “Todays’ debauched society.
p.s., Don’t blow a Gasket rusjan reading MY Opinion, just take 2 mydol and call me when you need MORE straightenin’ out,,,,,,,, OK DEAR ?!?!?!?
Peace & LOVE !!! 357 FoReVer……;<)
Senator Snowe – I have a great deal of respect for your ability to represent our State from a truly moderate position. Though you are clearly a member of the Republican party, you are also smart, careful and fair – traits that are far too rare in either side of the aisle these days.
To the voters of Maine: The polarization has become ugly and the sad fact is that much of that ugliness is the result of the entertainment industry that makes money for people who blab for cash. Rush (opiate addict) Limbaugh, Sean (couldn’t finish college) Hannity, Bill (f-it, I’ll do it live!) O’reilly and Glen (another recovering drug addict) Beck are all pulling down seven figure salaries by somehow convincing working Mainer’s that people who make seven figures are evil. I’m amazed that they have been able to do that. I actually find it to be both incredible, and disturbing at the same time.
Here’s an actual glimpse of what the right-wing radio & TV clowns offer in terms of honest to God leadership skills. Let’s get real for a second and watch the link below – keep in mind:
How would you like to see this person in the Oval Office within reach of the nuclear trigger?
How would you like to see this person in your garage, within reach of your car keys?
How would you like to see this person within reach of your children, your wife or your parents?
For that matter, how would you like to see this person digging in a dumpster across the street from your house? Watch this. Is this really what you want to bank our future on? Why on Earth would you listen to, or shape your life after, a single thing this nut said?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXZj4Wy58Pk
You decry polarization, yet you list only the pontificates
from the right as examples. Listen to both sides, and it becomes readily
apparent the left is full of equally long- winded rabble-rousers. The party fringes
have hijacked the debate. The entertainment value of the Shock Jocks is the
driving force, and as long as we regurgitate their partisan diatribe, without
considering that they are entertainers first and foremost, there will be no
middle ground.
Snowe’s value was in her reasoned opinion and ability to consider ideas
from across the aisle. We’ve lost a voice of moderation.
Did you watch the video of the man who draws the high number of viewers to his show every night. I’m simply pointing out the number of people making money b y promoting an extremist agenda. I can’t help that most of them happen to appeal to ‘conservatives’, that’s just reality?
sometimes you need a LEADER who does not always compromise.
mediocrity is the result of compromise
Mediocrity is a result of mediocre thinkers. It has nothing to do with compromise. However, your definition would explain why the nation is gridlocked. The political arena is overflowing with leader wannabees, pounding their chests, while nothing gets done.
I’ll take a statesman any day. They’re more worried about the country, than winning, or getting in the last sound bite.
I don’t get it Bangorian. Your first paragraph praises Sen. Snowe as being “smart, careful and fair”, traits that you deem rare on EITHER side of the aisle (as do I). You then go on to vilify (rightfully so) the sad state of polarization that is strangling our country. Curiously, you go on to blast only right leaning media types. For every Beck, Limbaugh, and Hannity there is an Olberman, Matthews, and Colmes. Their vitriol just as inflammatory and ironically wealth generating.
Polarization = BOTH sides of the aisle. If you are against it, why do you go to such lengths to promote it?
Perhaps, people should understand that Olympia Snowe backed out of a political issue in which she did not believe.
She does not believe in the Tea Party politics, nor does she believe in the over expenditure of government, The fact of the matter is this: she belongs in Maine’s memory, and compared to Reed, Smith, Muskie, Cohen, and Mitchell………We elect quality people to represent us, that is our destiny……that is what we have done. Good luck to you Senator Snowe, We do love you dearly. I say this because she did all she could to represent our state, and that is the essence of representation ……and I’m a Democrat who has voted for her.
The last reasonable Republican has left the building.
only a Democrat would vote for her. even if they pretend that they are republicans
How on Earth do YOU know all of this crappy info rusjan???
Did you read it in your “Tea” leaves ?!?!
DUUHHH ????? Probably, just Maybe, Ms. Snowe might have decided to take a break and smell the roses for once, ever think of that ???
Everything is Not a Conspiracy, much to Your dismay.
You are SUCH a Know-it-all… go back to your Quilting Bee with the rest of the ole’ biddies.
Oh yeah, don’t forget to take your meds so you can* think* that YOU still have ‘IT’ All figgured out !
The Truth Shall Set You Free !!! 357 Forever, Peace & Love ;<)
God Bless you Senator, we appreciate your service and representation, you certainly deserve the word “honorable” in front of your name. Thank You .
Must be planning on VP or Sec. of State
Absolutely agree with Snow regarding the polarization of our elected officials. The strength of this country has been our ability to find common ground and work together,
despite our inherent differences, for the good of the people and of the country. Unfortunately we’ve become a nation of “us vs. them”, a nation of “sides” and that more than anything will be our downfall.
they polarize in order to divide and conquer, not becuase any more than 2 of them act on their principles.
the have mathematicians working for them crunching numbers, working with focus groups to determine how more electable they will be if they say this or if they do that.
they are not really polarized, they are all in it together… the dems push for open borders in order to look like nice people and to get votes from some, and the “republicans” vote for open borders in order to keep the cost of your salad and hotel room down, and to keep profits high.
they are not really working against each other
Wishing Olympia a good retirement, certainly. She has always been a lady, but her “too willing to compromise” attitude in D.C. has gotten us where we are as a nation. Perhaps she realizes now the folly(and danger) of voting for Obama’s stimulus pkg. and allowing Obama-non-care to leave committee for a vote- She has not been totally aligned with Maine’s people. Obama, Pingree, Michaud all saluted her yesterday, but are almost through the door with exhilaration that this seat in the Senate might now go to a D.(which will really be just more of an escalation of what we have had from the 2 R’s already).
Who says that prayers aren’t answered! Enjoy your retirement senator, you have a very good pension unlike most of the 99%.
She was a Senator for ALL the people of Maine – even you. Mike Michaud will be, too.
This senator did not represent my thoughts or values at all, she is a war monger and a banker bailout. Don’t be so contumelious.
I’m not. And I’m not narrow minded, either.
As I read the comments below I come to realize the REAL problem. Lack of respect for almost everything and everyone, everywhere….It’s really very frightening…
Snow is a great loss for the State of Maine and its people. Get on the ball and convince Angus King to jump in and bring common sence to the situation. Mr. King would be an outstanding Senate representative for Maine.
SO….. Oh kay?!.. life is short so get overself !!!
Besides, what are YOU so prejudiced about???
***IF*** More* “men” weren’t so allergic to Sweattin’ a little bit, and the Dudes went to work instead of the “DUDETTES”, like it used to be back in the good ole’ days (pre-1960’s radical leftist women’s *lip* bowel-Movement StUfFfF) then our country as a whole would be much better of with MOMMY home with JR. and DADDY workin’ for a livin’.
MOMMY & DADDY = Woman & MAN married, not the *Perverted* view of M&D as in “Todays’ debauched society.
p.s., Don’t blow a Gasket rusjan reading MY Opinion, just take 2 mydol and call me when you need MORE straightenin’ out,,,,,,,, OK DEAR ?!?!?!?
Peace & LOVE !!! 357 FoReVer……;<)
Olympia Snowe, for once, just wants some time out.
Have fun in Sunny Florida and take your time coming back.