Sen. Levin announces he won't seek re-election - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(03/07/13) - Michigan's senior U.S. senator announced he will not seek re-election. Sen. Carl Levin made the announcement Thursday that he won't run for a new term in 2014. 

In a written statement, Levin said he and his wife, Barbara, struggled with the decision.

"We decided that I can best serve my state and nation by concentrating in the next two years on the challenging issues before us that I am in a position to help address; in other words, by doing my job without the distraction of campaigning for re-election," Levin said.

Levin is 78-years-old, and was born and raised in Detroit. He has served in the U.S. Senate since 1979. Before that, he was a Detroit city councilman. He is currently the chairman of the Senate Armed Forces Committee.

Mid-Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee responded to Levin's announcement saying, "Senator Carl Levin has been an incredible public servant and I am sad to learn that he will not seek re-election in 2014. He has been a tireless advocate for Michigan, and our nation has greatly benefited from his leadership. Carl has been a true giant in the Senate and he will be sorely missed."

The Michigan Republican Party also responded to the news. Democrats currently hold the majority in the U.S. Senate by just three seats, and the GOP is eager to win back control in 2014.

"Michigan families are frustrated due to the lack of leadership and failed policies put forth by the U.S. Senate perhaps the most egregious  example is the failure by the Democratic-led Senate to pass a budget for nearly four years. The status-quo is not acceptable and Republicans will offer bold and aggressive leadership that will restore common sense principles to Washington," read the MRP statement.

To read Sen. Levin's full announcement, click here.

To read other statements of reaction to Sen. Levin's retirement, click here.