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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release January 20, 2000

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I have said before of Senator Bob Kerry that he is always willing to be on the cutting edge of change. But the change he announces today is a bittersweet one for his family, his colleagues in the United States Senate and his constituents in Nebraska.

Our government and nation are better because of Bob Kerry's public service. I first got to know him when we served as governors in the 1980's, when we shared a passion for education reform, farm problems and deficit reduction.

In the Senate, Bob Kerry provided pivotal leadership to turn our economy around by getting rid of the deficit. His creativity, political courage and far-sightedness have kept him at the forefront of the fight for educational excellence, entitlement and tax reform, a stronger military and a modern intelligence capability. His leadership of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and recruitment of new blood and funds helped shape a party that is firmly focused on the future and prepared to do well in this year's elections.

As Senator, Governor, Medal of Honor recipient, Bob Kerry served our nation above and beyond the call of duty.

"If I added to their pride of America, I am happy," said Carl Sandburg. By that measure Senator Kerry should be happy, indeed. Hillary and I wish him well as he embarks on a new chapter in his remarkable life.

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