Lieberman: 'Excited about beginning a new chapter of life'

Statement that U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman emailed to supporters a few minutes ago:

Twenty three years ago, in February 1988, on a wintry day in Hartford, I announced that I would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate.  

In two years, I will complete my fourth term.  When that day comes, I will have served 24 years in the U.S. Senate.

For the extraordinary opportunities to serve our state and country that I've had, I'm personally grateful to everyone who has helped me, including you.

As you know, I have been thinking a lot and talking with family and friends about my future. I wanted you to know, in advance, that I have made a decision that I will announce at the Marriott Hotel in Stamford at 12:30 pm today.

I have decided it is time to turn the page to a new chapter, and so I will not be a candidate for re-election to a fifth term in the U.S. Senate in 2012. 

The reason for my decision, after 40 years in elective office, is best expressed in the wise words from Ecclesiastes: "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven."  

For me, it is time for another season and another purpose under Heaven.

This was not an easy decision for me to make because I have loved serving in the Senate and I feel good about what I have accomplished.  But I know it is the right decision and, I must say, I am excited about beginning a new chapter of life with new opportunities.

I look forward to spending the next two years in the Senate devoting the full measure of my energy and attention to getting things done for Connecticut and our country. 

And when my Senate chapter draws to a close in 2013, I look forward to new opportunities that will allow me to continue to serve our country - and to stay engaged and involved in the causes that I have spent my career working on, and that I care so much about. 

I go forward with a tremendous sense of gratitude for the opportunities I have had to make a difference.   Hadassah and I thank you for the trust and support you have shown us over the years.

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