Wyoming Senior Senator to retire

Wyoming Republican Senator Mike Enzi announced Saturday that he will retire from the post at the end of his current term in 2020.

From his hometown of Gillette, Enzi said he had much to accomplish in the next 18 months and could not be distracted by another campaign.

“During my life I’ve followed my Mom’s advice, my core values: Do what’s right. Do your best. Treat others as they want to be treated,” said Enzi. “I can’t do the kind of job Diana and I have been doing for another six-year term. I was able to see my kids grow up before I went in the Senate. Now I want some grandkid time. I will continue to be the Workhorse for Wyoming that you expect me to be through this term.”

Enzi said he would continue to focus on budget reform and getting control of the national debt.

Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney, who has expressed interest in Enzi’s Senate seat, said Enzi was a constant champion for western life.

“During his 20 years in Washington, he brought our state’s values to the nation’s capital, fighting for a smaller, less obstructive, and more efficient federal government that would allow people to grow and thrive,” said Cheney. “He recognized that empowering people, not politicians, was the best way to expand opportunity, and he worked tirelessly towards that goal.”

Fellow Republican Senator John Barrasso called Enzi “the trusted trail boss of our congressional delegation”.

“Mike Enzi’s character, courage and credibility have made him a respected moral leader in the U.S. Senate. In four terms in the Senate he has never wavered in his commitment to God, family or Wyoming,” said Barrasso.

When his term ends, Enzi said he would find other ways to serve.