Senator McConnell Statement on Congressman Whitfield Announcement

Statement

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement upon U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY-01) announcing today he will not seek a 12th term in Congress:

"I first want to commend my good friend Congressman Ed Whitfield on his outstanding career in the United States House of Representatives. Elected in 1994, Ed has delivered for Kentucky at every turn, whether it was championing and protecting the Land Between the Lakes, helping the employees of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant and their families, or working to support our troops at Fort Campbell. As Chairman of the Energy and Power Subcommittee, Ed has also been an indispensable ally in pushing back against the Obama Administration's War on Coal.

"Ed Whitfield was the first Republican elected to the First District, making him a trailblazer for the Republican Party in Western Kentucky. And it is thanks to his hard work and dedication that we can today celebrate the growth of a robust two-party system in the western region of the Bluegrass State.

"Ed's leadership and more than two decades of steadfast service to his constituents and our Commonwealth will continue to be an inspiration to myself and the entire Kentucky delegation.

"His long career is a clear and lasting testament to all the good that can be accomplished in a life of public service. We will miss him in the Capitol."

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