WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. John Kerry issued the following statement today, in response to Sen. Chuck Hagel’s announcement that he will retire from the Senate when his term ends next year.

 
“Chuck Hagel carved out a legacy as a senator with the courage to speak and vote his convictions first, his Party second,” Kerry said. “I will miss his blunt talk and firm determination. History will vindicate his assessment that the Bush Iraq escalation was the worst foreign policy blunder since the Vietnam War, in which he served with valor. I wish him well and look forward to working with him during his remaining time in the Senate.”

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