September 14, 2009
Dear Edward,
Since the passing of Senator Kennedy, a great number of people have kindly urged me to run for the United States Senate. Such an opportunity comes open perhaps only once in one's life time. I have given the matter serious consideration and, while thankful for all of the confidence shown, determined that, at this time, I can best be of service in the U.S. House of Representatives – continuing to work to make education more affordable and accessible, to build and strengthen our nation's workforce, to enact meaningful health care reform and to ensure we have a pragmatic foreign policy. These and other serious matters must be addressed in the coming weeks and months and they, along with my constituents, warrant my full attention. Today I am stating that I shall not be a candidate in the special election for the U.S. Senate.
I love my present job and am very proud of the constituent service work that has, I believe, earned my office the reputation as one of the most responsive and effective. I am equally proud of the policy work done in the past and now in progress. Over the years, the people of the 6th District have honored me by allowing me to serve, and, in turn, I have been able to engage in and positively impact the important issues facing this district, Massachusetts, and the country. My seniority, position on committees, strong relationships, and experience create the ability to weigh in on significant matters.
On the Education and Labor Committee, I have been able to help shape education policy from pre-K through college and adult learning, and was able to be one of the key authors of the re-authorization of the Higher Education Act that increased affordability and access for students and made campuses more accountable to families. The Green Jobs Act, authored with now Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, was passed and recently funded to ensure workers today are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. More important work remains to retrain and equip workers in new industries. To that end, I am thoroughly involved in modernizing the Workforce Investment Act and other policies to address our country's economic situation.
As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and as Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Policy, I have been deeply involved in national security issues concerning our safety here at home and our involvement in the world community, including Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Ensuring the safety of Americans at home, and overseeing the expenditure of a sizable national security budget exposed to potential and real waste, fraud, and abuse is an ongoing responsibility. Legislation I introduced led to the creation of the Commission on Wartime Contracting. Subsequently as Subcommittee Chairman, I worked to improve the conditions for our injured service members at Walter Reed and other military hospitals. This important work continues.
While it is no doubt an honor to serve in the Senate, I consider it every bit as much of an honor to serve in the "People's House," and I do not think it best to divert attention at this crucial time from those responsibilities over many months as would be required by a candidacy.
I want to thank everyone who so generously encouraged me to consider the race, and who continue to support me in my efforts in the House. I look forward to continuing the serious work there, and at the appropriate time to offering myself again for re-election as representative of the terrific people in this district. Finally, of course, I thank my wife, Patrice, and all of my family for their continued support.
With warmest regards,
John Tierney
| Paid for by John Tierney for Congress |
P.O. Box 8013
Salem, MA 01970
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