March 18, 2001

Republican Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee will not run for another term. He would have won easily, but since the tragic death of his 38-year-old daughter, Thompson said he doesn’t have the heart for another term.

That will complicate things for Republicans who are one seat shy of a majority and have to defend several open seats this fall.

Not many people leave the Senate voluntarily. It is an exclusive club, full of perks and pretensions. But Fred Thompson is sending a message there are some things more important than what passes for power in Washington...where one spends eternity, for example. And this side of eternity, it is important to establish and maintain loving relationships with those closest to us.

In a statement, Thompson said, "Serving in the Senate has been a tremendous honor, but I feel there are other priorities that I need to attend to." Indeed there are, and good for him for realizing them. I’m Cal Thomas in Washington.