Joe Manchin: “my friends and colleagues, today I rise with a full heart and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It has been the honor…”

“my friends and colleagues, today I rise with a full heart and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It has been the honor of my life to represent my great State of West Virginia and this great country of ours. Fourteen years ago, I walked in this building not knowing what to expect. I had just left the best public service job of my life as the Governor of my great State of West Virginia. Everything I knew about the Senate I had heard and learned from Robert C. Byrd. Though I was stepping into his seat, I knew I could never, ever fill his shoes. But I truly believed that I could continue to bring our commonsense West Virginia values to Washington and do even more for our great State and our country. I really believed that in my heart. Throughout my life as a public servant, I had seen the power of good people coming together to solve tough problems. Sometimes we thought it was impossible, but we did it. Now as my time here comes to an end, I want you to know my belief in the potential of this institution and each and every one of you that represent it remains as strong as ever. I have said this, I believe in you probably more than you believe in yourself at times. You don't come into politics looking for fame or fortune--or at least you shouldn't. You come in because you believe you can make a difference in helping your neighbor, your community, and the country that has given you so very much. I was not elected to take a side.…”