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Ned Lamont, Chris Murphy and CT leaders respond

Posted on by Vaseline

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Connecticut’s Democratic political leadership responded quickly after President Joe Biden announced he would no longer seek re-election.

Biden’s announcement came after weeks of turmoil for the Biden-Harris campaign. Many within his party, including Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes and Gov. Ned Lamont, had begun calling for him to withdraw after the president’s poor performance in the June debate against former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president.

The president is 81 years old and has held elected office for 50 years, including on the Delaware City Council, as a senator and as vice president.

Here are the responses from Connecticut’s congressional delegation.

What Senator Richard Blumenthal Said

“Joe Biden is one of the greatest, most influential presidents in American history. He was the compassionate, courageous leader our country desperately needed in a time of crisis. Over the past four years, he has overseen the passage of enormously impactful legislation that will benefit generations of Americans. Joe is a smart, strategic fighter who always — always — looks out for the little guy. I am incredibly grateful for his lifetime of service and his unwavering, steadfast commitment to the future of our country.”

What Senator Chris Murphy Said

“Joe Biden will go down as one of the most effective, consistent presidents in our country’s history. He led us out of a pandemic and rebuilt our economy, creating more jobs than any president in his first term. He restored our place on the world stage, heroically leading the global response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, and strengthening NATO. He helped pass legislation to transform our infrastructure, lower prescription drug prices, reduce energy costs, and address climate change. And of course, thanks to Joe Biden, we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun safety legislation in 30 years.

“Joe Biden has always put country first. He knows the risk Donald Trump poses to our democracy and has determined that our highest priority must be to defeat Trump this fall. I know this decision was painful for him, but again, his love of country shines through. A nation turns its grateful eyes to Joe Biden for his world-changing service and his consistent selflessness.”

What Rep. Joe Courtney Said

“President Biden’s decision today—like all of his public service over many decades—was motivated by his patriotism and deep love for America and its democracy. As the focus shifts from the politics of the day to his many historic accomplishments, the country will have an opportunity to reflect on the benefits his presidency has had for veterans, seniors, young Americans, and the renaissance of America’s industrial base and infrastructure. Over the last three and a half years, he has had a tremendous partner in Vice President Kamala Harris, whom I fully support to lead the Democratic Party in building on its record of success with a new agenda focused on our future.”

What Rep. Jim Himes Said

Himes had called on Biden to withdraw. “Joe Biden’s record of public service is unmatched,” he wrote on July 11 on X. “His accomplishments are immense. His legacy as a great president is secure. He must not jeopardize that legacy, that accomplishment, and American democracy to continue in the face of the horrors that Donald Trump has promised.