BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Congressman John Kline announced Thursday he will not seek re-election in 2016.
Kline released a statement saying "after much careful thought and deliberation" he has decided not to seek an eighth term in Minnesota's 2nd District.
His full statement is, as follows:
"As many know, I had the privilege of serving as President Reagan's military aide while a young Marine. His vision of America as a 'shining city on the hill' has guided my decisions throughout my tenure in Congress. I have fought to ensure a strong national defense. I have worked hard to reassure our nation's troops, veterans, and their families the promises we make to them are promises kept. I have never wavered in my commitment to my conservative values. And I have demonstrated my ability to find solutions to the problems that matter most to Minnesota families.
"I want to be clear – much more work lies ahead in the next 16 months. As Chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee I look forward to replacing No Child Left Behind and expanding access to higher education. I will continue to fight for our veterans by holding the VA accountable and ensuring we provide for our sons and daughters in uniform, the true defenders of freedom. And we must not lose focus on the critical work of reining in runaway federal spending, deficits, and debt that continue to delay our economic recovery."
"Public service is an honor I am proud to have embraced throughout my life. Despite the serious challenges facing America it remains the greatest country in the world and we are blessed to call it home. It has been and will continue to be a privilege serving the men and women of Minnesota's 2nd District for the next 16 months."
Kline was elected to Congress in 2002 and currently works as the chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. Kline lives in Burnsville with his wife, Vicky.
