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U.S. Rep. Bob Brady's statement on not seeking reelection

U.S. Rep. Bob Brady is calling it quits in Congress after 20 years. Here is his full statement.

U.S. Rep. Bob Brady and leader of Philadelphia Democratic Party announcing that he will not run for reelection during a Wednesday afternoon press conference.
U.S. Rep. Bob Brady and leader of Philadelphia Democratic Party announcing that he will not run for reelection during a Wednesday afternoon press conference.Read moreJOSE MORENO / Staff Photographer
    by Chris Brennan | Columnist
    Published 

"My attorneys have informed me that I am no longer under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice.  This decision was not the result of any deal negotiated by my attorneys and the Department of Justice.

Now that this cloud over my reputation has been removed, I have decided to announce my decision to retire from the U.S. Congress at the end of my current term in office.

Two weeks ago, I spent Saturday and Sunday sitting by myself in my congressional office only to watch the Eagles NFC Championship game alone as I waited for a vote on the floor of the House — a vote that never took place.  That weekend I looked back on all the other days and nights where the job came first; where I had to choose public service over family and friends.

Don't get me wrong, I am the luckiest guy in the world.  I love my job, I love my district, and most of all, I love the people I have served.  I am not leaving because I love them any less today than I did the day I swore my oath of office twenty years ago.

But there are some things I love even more. I have been married to my wife Debbie for twenty-one years. Twenty of those years, I spent four days a week in the U.S. Congress.  I now have a great grandchild and another one on the way.  Today I choose them. It's time to come home."