Senator Hagel Thanks Nebraskans In Farewell Message

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Posted: 8:35 PM Dec 4, 2008
Last Updated: 10:20 AM Dec 5, 2008
Reporter: The Associated Press
Email Address: desk@kolnkgin.com

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Sen. Hagel Farewell Letter

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U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel is thanking Nebraskans for giving him the chance to represent the state in Congress for the past 12 years.

The Republican, who leaves office in January, sent a farewell letter Thursday.

Hagel says in many ways the world is more complicated and dangerous than it was 12 years ago, which presents implications for the state.

So he encouraged Nebraskans to consider the global implications of their actions.

Hagel says he appreciated the decency of the people he represented. He says most were courteous and understanding even when they disagreed with him.

Former Republican Governor Mike Johanns beat Democrat Scott Kleeb in November to earn the right to replace Hagel.

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Posted by: lynnette Location: iowa on Dec 24, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Hi Jo - happy holidays. Thanks for your nice comment. I would add that sometimes it is also necessary to have the courage to break ranks with one's party & old friends, & follow one's informed mind & conscience. Senator Hagel is a person of integrity, which got in the way of his ambition. He chose integrity & his family & his concern about American soldiers % the future of the country. He completely burned his bridges with the Republican Party, without ever leaving it, & without voting with Democrats very often. He just thought & studied & spoke for himself regarding the Iraq war, Iran, & foreign policy, & Bush's abuses of power. Cheney hated him, right-wing GOP types vilify him, but he is liked & respected by most Senators & foreign policy experts. The fact of his ambition makes it all the more remarkable that he was so courageous in speaking out; it cost him the chance to run for President or even re-election to the Senate, How many politicians would do that? Not many!

Posted by: Harold Location: Omaha on Dec 11, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Sen Hagel As one last act of kindness, please vote no on the bailout. Thank you.

Posted by: Steve on Dec 5, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Nebraska no longer has two democrat senators! Good ridance to another Rino!(thats republican in name only, for the obama supporters)

Posted by: Jo Location: wymore on Dec 5, 2008 at 08:19 AM
we should all thank Sen. Hagel.he has been a wonderful example to the country as how to behave in politics.work with others.

Posted by: Tobar Location: Lincoln on Dec 4, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Na na na na, na na na na, hay hay hay bye bye! Good riddance!!!!

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