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Politics & Government

Dearborn Reacts to Sen. Levin's Planned Retirement

The current U.S. senator for Michigan announced on Thursday that he will not run for reelection in 2014.

The announcement that lifelong legislator Sen. Carl Levin will not run for re-election sparked much discussion in the congressman's home state of Michigan Thursday.

Levin, 78, who has been in office for more than 30 years, released a statement Thursday stating “I can best serve my state and my nation by concentrating in the next two years on the challenging issues before us … in other words, by doing my job without the distraction of campaigning for re-election."

Dearborn legislators and residents alike commented on the announcement.

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“The retirement of my good friend Carl Levin is a terrible loss to our state," said U.S Rep. John Dingell (D-Dearborn) in a statement. "Carl is a giant, and he and his service have been of enormous value to the people of Michigan and this nation. I wish this giant a long retirement, full of well-earned joy and contentment with his wonderful wife Barbara and family.”

Dingell has also served in office for an extended period of time; the 86-year-old legislature was elected to his 30th term in November 2012, and has not himself announced plans to retire.

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Sen. Levin has been a visible face at many big events in Dearborn—from the unveiling of the Rosa Parks Stamp at The Henry Ford in February to the groundbreaking of the city's Intermodal Passenger Rail Station. He even participates in the Dearborn Memorial Day Parade.

Here's what some Dearborn Patch Facebook fans had to add to the conversation on Sen. Levin's upcoming retirement:

  • Jonathan Kade: He's been one of the most constructive legislators in his tenure there and has been very effective at protecting Michigan and Detroit's interests. We will be worse off for a while without him.
  • Kristyn Taylor: Levin was a good Senator and easily re-elected. I am very interested to see who may try to run for his spot when it comes up.
  • Dave McLean: Good riddance!!
  • Millie Judd: No matter what side of the aisle your vote goes, it is always good to let new ideas come in. Fresh perspectives.

What do you think of Sen. Levin's announcement? Add your thoughts to the comments.

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