California Senator Barbara Boxer's long career in politics is coming to an end. She announced in January of last year that she did not intend to run for reelection, and will soon be replaced by California Attorney General Kamala Harris. ABC 7 reports that Boxer gave a farewell speech this morning on the Senate floor, touching on her years of service and relationships with her colleagues.
“Yes, you build on success but you learn from failure, but you never stop working for human rights, civil rights, women’s rights, voting rights, children’s rights and the environment," Boxer told those gathered. "I certainly don’t plan to stop."
She was first elected to the Marin County Board of Supervisors in 1976, where she served for six years, before later running for and winning a seat in the House of Representatives. She served in the House from 1983 to 1993, and the senate from 1993 until the present. "Even from my position as local county representative for only 40,000 people," she explained today, "I was exposed to these national issues that would soon require all of my attention."
She told those gathered that retiring for her is not bittersweet, as she views her entire experience in governance as sweet. She also said she is proud to be returning home to Coachella Valley. "I am not only fortunate to have had this extraordinary career, but I'm also so fortunate to be going home to a state that stands for everything I believe in."
A champion of women's rights and environmental issues, she's also getting out ahead of what is likely to be a very hostile Donald Trump administration — although when she announced her planned retirement last year there was no way she would have known that. A host of elected officials showed up for her farewell speech, with the Chronicle reporting that House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi showed up with a dozen of her House colleagues. Senator Dianne Feinstein, interestingly, was not in attendance.
As for the Republicans? Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was in attendance, although Boxer joked about his motives. “I think (McConnell) was here just to make sure I was leaving."
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