My decision to not seek re-election was based on this simple proposition: in the long run, it is more important to me to be known as a "good son" and it is to be known as a "good senator". For those of you who have and continue to pray for my gravely ill mother, I thank you from the very depths of my heart.

To those of you who wish to succeed me in the State Senate, hear the words of Thomas Paine: "That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly. It is dearness only that gives everything its value." In other words, work hard to be elected and then work even harder once elected. These good people of the 8th Senate District deserve no less.

I leave you with an Irish prayer I learned from my little Scots-Irish mother:

May God give you:

• For every storm, a rainbow
• For every tear, a smile
• For every care, a promise
• And for each and every prayer, an answer

May God bless each and every one of you and may he continue to richly bless this great state we call Tennessee.

Thank you.