A lot of politicos are wondering what comes next in western Wisconsin now that longtime Congressman Ron Kind is stepping aside.
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Kind shocked some people yesterday when he said he will not run for re-election next year. Kind says he’s ‘out of gas.’ His retirement opens-up the race for Congress in the western portion of the state and could see an end to Democratic control over the area. Kind has been in Congress since 1997. Republican Derrick Van Orden thanked Kind for his service, and said the time is right for change.
Rep. Kind released the following statement after making his announcement:
“Representing the people at home has been the honor of my life–but I never intended it to be the honor of my entire life. For 26 years, I’ve flown to and from Washington, DC and traveled the 18 counties of the most beautiful Congressional District in the Nation almost every week. But 26 years is enough–it’s time for me to step back. My wife, Tawni, and I are looking forward to entering the next chapter of our lives.
“If anyone had told me as a student at Roosevelt, the son of a telephone repairman from a low-income family, that I’d one day be able to represent my home area in the United States Congress, I would have thought that they were crazy. I thought then that a place like Congress was for people with political connections or wealth, The Kennedys or The Rockefellers. But I’m living proof that you can come from humble beginnings and still have remarkable opportunities.
“And I never forgot where I came from. I always tried to make decisions that I thought were in the best interest of the people at home here and not for powerful special interests or the political leadership of either party. For me, it was always about the next generation and not the next election. I believe I held true to that goal.
“I look forward to serving out these remaining 16 months and working hard for the people of Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District. We still have a virus to defeat, an economy to recover, a country to rebuild with good paying jobs, climate change to combat, and voters’ rights to protect. I look forward to carrying out those duties with the help of the people here in Wisconsin.
“I want to thank my wife, Tawni, my family, my staff and team of advisors for all their support and help throughout these years. Most importantly, I want to thank the people of this Congressional District for putting their faith, trust and confidence in me throughout these 26 years. It’s truly been the honor of my life. I hope I represented you with the dignity and decency this office deserves.”
