Admirers of Sander Levin react to Saturday's disclosure that the Detroit Democrat leaves Congress after next year, closing a political career that began in 1964 with election to the Michigan Senate.
These are among tributes acknowledging "the end of an era," as state ACLU chapter director Katy Moss puts it:
.@repsandylevin is a principled patriot, champion of the people of Michigan and deeply esteemed leader in the Congress. My colleagues and I wish him the very best as he leaves Congress and begins to write the next chapter of his journey.
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) December 2, 2017
My dear friend @repsandylevin is a legend in Michigan politics and in our nation. He always put the working man first, and we will all be better for his service. Blessings on you, Sandy.
— John Dingell (@JohnDingell) December 2, 2017
It is the end of an era. I will miss this Congressman and knowing that he always cared deeply for his constituents and those without a voice. I thank him for his tireless advocacy for the Iraqi men & women arrested by ICE in June. @repsandylevin https://t.co/kCZ8d2aVTc
— Kary Moss (@KaryMoss) December 2, 2017
One of Michigan's two Democratic senators posts this farewell to his congressional colleague and fellow Metro Detroiter:
Original article, Saturday morning:
Democratic Rep. Sander Levin of Royal Oak, a longtime fixture in Michigan politics, won't run for a 19th term in 2018.
"It is the honor of a lifetime to serve Michigan in the U.S. Congress. My constituents enabled me to address some of the most important issues of our time," Levin said in an op-ed in the Detroit Free Press.
"They have supported me with a sense of fairness, even if we disagreed on a specific issue. I am deeply appreciative."
Levin, 86-year-old brother of former Sen. Carl Levin, plans to join the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the end of his term.