Senator Lugar, Please Retire

I recently received a package from "Friends of Dick Lugar" asking me to support his re-election in 2012.

I sent them the following letter. I have a lot of other reasons for not doing so. I thought it would be most effective to be polite.

Friends of Dick Lugar

PO Box 55952

Indianapolis, IN 46209

Friends:

I have the December 27^th letter from the Senator, and after careful consideration I would like to urge him NOT to run for re-election in 2012.

It is time for the Senator to retire. Right now is a great time to elect a new Republican to the Senate. It seems improbable that the Senator will be able to run again in 2018, leaving us with a new candidate running under circumstances that might not be quite as favorable as they are now

If the Senator stays in, he faces an unpleasant primary that, even if he wins, would leave the Party and the Senator tarnished. If he were to retire now he could go out on a high note, and would have an excellent chance to influence the selection of his successor, one who might better share his vision than the winner of an internecine slugfest.

To reiterate, I believe it is in the best interest of the Senator, the Party, and the Country for him to take a graceful retirement at the completion of his current term. I would welcome his advice concerning selection of his successor. And I thank him for his prior service, but it’s time for him to go.

Sincerely,