Sen. Carl Levin, chairman of the powerful Armed Service Committee and widely respected on Capitol Hill, won't seek re-election next year. He has been in the Senate since 1979.
In a statement issued by his office Thursday and posted on his website Levin, 78, says:
"This decision was extremely difficult because I love representing the people of Michigan in the U.S. Senate and fighting for the things that I believe are important to them.
"As Barbara and I struggled with the question of whether I should run again, we focused on our belief that our country is at a crossroads that will determine our economic health and security for decades to come. 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's decision not to run is expected to attract a number of candidates into the race.
Earlier coverage
Lessenberry: High Stakes for Each Party in Michigan Hinge on Decision by Carl Levin, Feb. 5
A Flood of Candidates Could Surface If Sen. Carl Levin Calls it Quits, Nov. 23, 2012
