Tributes pour in for Baucus
Gov. Steve Bullock made the following statement on Sen. Max Baucus’ announcement that he won’t run for re-election in 2014:
“From leading the effort to prevent the privatization of Social Security, to ensuring that every child in this country has access to a doctor, Max Baucus has been a fighter for Montana, and a good friend to me. Montanans will never forget Max’s decades of public service or the incredible legacy he leaves behind.”
The following statement was made by President Barack Obama:
“I want to thank Max Baucus for his nearly 35 years of service to the people of Montana. Max has made small businesses a top priority, often taking “work days” to visit local businesses across Montana and spend a day working alongside his constituents to gain perspective and help bolster the local economy. As Finance Committee chairman and a senior member of both the Agriculture and the Environment and Public Works committees, Max has been a leader on a broad range of issues that touch the lives of Americans across the country. Michelle and I commend Sen. Baucus on his career and wish him and his family well in the future.”
Sen. Jon Tester made this statement:
“Max’s number one priority has been — and will continue to be — making Montana a better place to live, work and raise a family. For years, Max has stood up for Montana values in Washington, and he has a lot to be proud of. I will miss his counsel and friendship in the Senate, but look forward to working with him for the next two years to move our state and our nation forward. I wish him and Mel nothing but the best as they spend the rest of their lives enjoying Big Sky Country.”
Congressman Steve Daines released this statement:
“For four decades, Sen. Max Baucus has been a dedicated public servant for the people of Montana. I appreciate his lifetime of service to our state and wish him and Melodee the very best as they finish this term and move forward with the next chapter of their lives. There are many challenges facing our country, and we need strong leadership in the U.S. Senate that puts partisanship and politics aside and puts the people of Montana and the future of our country first. It is critically important that this seat be filled by someone prepared to change the direction and culture of our nation.”
The Montana Farmers Union made the following statement:
“Montana Farmers Union appreciates the years of work and dedication to Montana that Sen. Max Baucus has shown throughout his political career. The senator’s work on the Senate Agriculture Committee and his leadership regarding Farm Bill policy through the years has been invaluable to Montana agriculture. Sen. Baucus has been a Golden Triangle Award recipient many times, which is the highest service award bestowed by the National Farmers Union on behalf of member states. The Montana Farmers Union thanks Max for his service to the state and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Montana Democratic Party chairman Jim Elliot made this statement:
“Sen. Baucus’ work for the Montana Democratic Party over the years has gone above the call of duty. Even when times were tough, Max stepped up to make sure that Democratic candidates and causes in Montana had the tools they need to win. Whether it was mentoring emerging leaders or knocking on doors for local candidates — Max has always been the kind of leader who elevates those around him. But Max’s contributions to our state are far greater — and far more important — than anything he’s ever done for his party. In Max, Montanans had an advocate in Washington who never forgot where he came from or who he’s fighting for. Max spent more than half his life in public service with a singular focus on doing what’s right for Montana. Montana Democrats will remember him in the same way we remember Mike Mansfield and Lee Metcalf — with deep gratitude and tremendous respect.”