PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: "From his time as a young Peace Corps volunteer to his five terms in the United States Senate, Chris Dodd has devoted his life to public service. Over the years, he has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our children and families, support good jobs for hard-working Americans, and keep our nation strong and prosperous, building a remarkable record of achievement for the people of Connecticut and our country. While his work in the Senate is not yet finished, his leadership in that institution will be missed. Michelle and I extend our thanks to Senator Dodd for his service to our Nation and offer our best wishes for the future to him and his family."
VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: "Senator Dodd is one of my best friends in life. We served together in the Senate for almost 30 years, and to every meeting, every hearing, every floor debate, he brought a keen intellect and a deep understanding of the subject matter on every issue. His knowledge and background in foreign policy are matched by few, and his expertise on matters relating to Latin and South America is respected worldwide. He's one of the most skilled legislators I've ever served with. I doubt anyone else could have led two major committees simultaneously and had such an impact on two of the most important issues facing us: health reform and restoring economic stability. I believe Chris will be long recognized as one of the most significant Senators of my generation. Every mother, every father, who has had to take medical leave to take care of a sick child or family member has Chris to thank. His commitment to the children of this country can be best understood by the landmark legislation he championed to protect their welfare. I believe the nation will miss his wisdom, wit and compassion. I count myself lucky because I know he's not going too far and will always be source of advice and counsel. Jill and I wish Chris and Jackie the best as they move on to their next endeavors and know the future holds only great things for their family."
SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID: "Chris Dodd has dedicated his life to public service and has always been on the front lines to make a difference where it counts. I know how much of an honor it has been for Chris to serve the people of Connecticut and how truly difficult this decision was for him to step away. His warm personality, sense of humor and optimistic spirit has won him great respect and many friends on both sides of the aisle. I salute Chris on his years of service and wish only the best for him and Jackie and their entire family as they look forward to the new challenges ahead of them."
CONGRESSWOMAN ROSA DELAURO: "I learned what it meant to be a member of Congress from Chris Dodd. As his campaign manager, chief of staff, and colleague, I have always aspired to his public service example. And as my friend and my mentor, he taught me early and often that our job is to fight everyday for the people we represent.
"Senator Dodd has always known what he stands for, where he believes the country needs to go, and - perhaps most importantly - how to get there. We in Connecticut have been so lucky to have him as our voice in the Senate these past three decades, where he has been a true leader, shaping the debate and policies that affect all of our lives. As Senator Dodd said today, he really has aspired every day to work for a more perfect union.
"Throughout his career, nobody has fought harder for the American people. Chris has known how to get good legislation passed - but more than that - he has had the vision, commitment, dedication, and integrity to get it done. He has an extraordinary legacy of historic legislation.
"Excepting my parents and my husband, no one has had a bigger impact on me. In 1979, Senator Dodd took a chance on me - and gave me an opportunity - that changed my life. I only hope that I can make as big a difference as Senator Dodd has made in his career."
CONGRESSMAN JOE COURTNEY: "I thank Senator Dodd for his legacy of public service and for steadfastly advocating on issues important to Connecticut. Chris has always fought for working families by championing family medical leave, helping to secure jobs at Electric Boat and to invest in the future of Subase New London, and successfully lowering the cost of a college education for families and students."
"As a Senator and three-term Congressman from my home district, Chris has always stood with eastern Connecticut. His legacy of accomplishment in the United States Senate will be missed and will be remembered for years to come. I wish Chris and Jackie, and their children, the best of luck in the future."
CONGRESSMAN CHRIS MURPHY: "Chris Dodd is a giant, both professionally and personally. For me, he's one of the reasons I entered politics, in part because he gave me my first job as an intern in his office. And in Washington, no one can match his record of delivering for his beloved state of Connecticut. But what many people may not realize today is that Chris Dodd's best is yet to come. Chris' legislative legacy will be capped by finishing his lifelong dream of reforming health care, righting our financial system, and doing what he has done best for over three decades - making government work for the people of Connecticut."
DAN MALLOY: "In his long and distinguished career, Sen. Chris Dodd has been a leader and a champion on issues that affect so many Connecticut residents: health care, the environment, jobs, and much more. It's my belief that any public servant should be judged by the impact their work will have not just on the lives of their constituents now, but also on the lives of future generations. In that regard, Sen. Dodd is without equal.
"I'm thankful for all that Chris Dodd has done for the state, and for the country."
NED LAMONT: "For three decades, Chris has been Connecticut's best friend, a powerful defender of the constitution and a tireless advocate for families and children. Chris, Jackie and their family deserve a short break, but I'm sure that there are many more chapters in Chris' life of public service.
"This announcement does not change my own plans. I will continue to explore a run for Governor because I believe the stakes for Connecticut are too high and that we need innovative, entrepreneurial leadership to kickstart our economy, create new jobs, and honestly balance our budget."
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