Text of Dayton’s statement

02/09/2005

February 9, 2005

Sen. Mark Dayton’s statement:

‘’I’m announcing today that I will not seek reelection to the Senate next year. God willing, I will complete my term to the very best of my ability. It has been a tremendous honor to serve the people of Minnesota during the past four years. Everything I’ve worked for, and everything I believe in, depends upon this Senate seat remaining in the Democratic caucus in 2007. I do not believe that I am the best candidate to lead the DFL party to victory next year.

‘’I cannot stand to do the constant fundraising necessary to wage a successful campaign, and I cannot be an effective senator while also being a nearly full-time candidate. Thus, I choose to devote all my time and energy to do the job that Minnesotans elected me to do, and I’m removing myself from the political fray. I’ve also informed Mayor Randy Kelly that I must withdraw my support from his re-election committee.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me, and especially the people of Minnesota who’ve given me the greatest honor of my life—the chance to be their United States senator.

I’ve done my utmost to uphold that high honor and I will continue to do my very utmost to represent our great state to the best of my abilities until Jan. 3, 2007. While I have no specific plans, I intend to remain in Minnesota thereafter and continue to be involved in service.’’