“George Voinovich is one of the great ones. In Ohio political history few people have had a greater impact on our state.
“In Montgomery County, Governor Voinovich’s leadership made the nationally recognized Job Center possible, a change that has helped improve the lives of tens of thousands of people. As Governor and Senator, he was a tireless advocate for Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the Miami Valley.
“I know retiring from the Senate was a tough decision, but he and Janet have given all we can ask of them and I wish them good health and happiness.”
Rob Portman:
“Senator Voinovich is one of the great public servants of our time. As Assistant Attorney General, State Representative, County Auditor, County Commissioner, Mayor, Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and United States Senator, he has worked tirelessly for the people of Ohio. Ohio is a better place because of his principled leadership, passionate advocacy, and his commitment to future generations.
“His countless contributions to our state and to our nation will be felt for many years to come. I have had the privilege of working closely with Senator Voinovich over the years, and I have been honored to call him my friend. His integrity and unwavering commitment to public service has inspired me and so many others.
“Jane and I wish Senator Voinovich and his wife, Janet, the very best during the remaining two years of his Senate term and as he makes his transition into a new chapter from a lifetime of public service.”
Ham Sandwich:
Today, Senator George Voinovich has announced that he will not seek a third term. I support him in this decision and would like to express my appreciation for his willingness to serve his community, his state, and the nation.
Ohio Republicans will now get down to the business of choosing the right candidate to fill the shoes of Senator Voinovich and while we have disagreed on many an issue, one must salute the fact that he has a stunning record of victories in election after election. In his last run, he won all 88 counties in the Great State of Ohio and while a repeat of that performance was highly unlikely it does stand as a testament to his ability as a politician.
Senator Voinovich, I salute you and I wish you the very best in your coming retirement.
ORP Chairman Bob Bennett:
"George is a tireless fighter for this state and its future, but it's no secret to anyone that his dedication to Ohio is surpassed only by his love of family. His decision to spend more time with them at home is understandable and much deserved.
It goes without saying that George's contribution to this state for the past four decades is immense and unparalleled. From mayor to governor to the halls of Congress, Ohioans have benefited from his tireless commitment to responsible government, and no one upholds our party's fidelity to conservative fiscal discipline better than George Voinovich. I know he won't let up until his last moment in office, and I'm glad he'll be there for the next two years to help protect our wallets and keep the Democrat Congress in check."
Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner:
“For more than 40 years, Sen. George Voinovich has selflessly served the people of Ohio. I join millions of Ohioans today in saluting him for his decades of service to the Buckeye State, and for his unwavering commitment to defending the sanctity of innocent human life. His voice and friendship will be missed in the Ohio delegation. I wish George, Janet, and their family the very best.”
John Kasich:
“For the past 40 years the people of Ohio have had the privilege of being honorably served by George Voinovich. He has been a true example of what public service is all about, providing the excellent leadership that the citizens of this state deserve.”
Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-04):
“I commend Senator Voinovich for his 44 years of public service to our country and Ohio. Our state has been made better by his tireless work to protect human life, promote school choice and to stop the expansion of gambling in our state. It has been an honor to serve with him in the Ohio delegation and I wish him the best in the remainder of his term.”
Mark's Remarks
We are truly in trouble. We have lost the most steadfast fighter in the war against the real terrorists--Zebra Mussels.
Seriously, George Voinovich was not all bad. I remember back in the day when he was governor of Ohio and spoke at Boys State when I had the honor of being chosen to participate. He seemed so full of vim and vinegar then. He seemed like a real statesman, as opposed to a politician. However, it is obvious to see what happened. Like most people we send to Washington, they get infected with DC-itis. Everything revolves around perception in the Beltway. I will say that I have heard his constituent service was good, and he did, even though he didn't seem to know what it was during that dreadful Hannity call, fight against the Fairness Doctrine. While he was a dope when it came to John Bolton and the Big Weep, as well as Shamnesty, there was also a lot of good to Mr. Voinovich.
However, it should show anyone the blindness of people like Husted when they call Voinovich "a great one." All that does is add to his ego trip that he is the GOP in Ohio, that he singlehandedly rebuilt it and that we all owe him some type of worship.
I am glad he saw it was time to step down and now, hopefully, will fight more forcefully for conservative values since he has no reelection to worry about. Despite our philosophical differences, I wish him and his family the very best.
