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I was elected six times to represent southern Arizona, in the State Legislature and then in Congress.

I have been immeasurably honored to serve the people of Maine for nearly 40 years in public office and for the past 17 years in the United States Senate. It was incredibly difficult to decide that I would not seek a fourth term in the Senate.

I can honestly say that being a United States Senator has been the honor of my life.

Well, I was 29 years old when I came to the United States Senate, and I have learned a lot.

Serving in the United States Senate has been the greatest privilege of my life.

I continued to serve in Congress until 2001.

I served in the state Senate for six years with retiring Gov. John Lynch. During that time, we had the fourth-lowest unemployment rate in the country.

I loved being in the Senate. That was a wonderful experience.

I was in the Minnesota state Senate from 2000 until 2006. In 2006, I was urged to run for Congress, I did. And I've been here ever since.

I love serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I have especially enjoyed my time on the Ways and Means Committee.