Article: Senator Olympia Snowe, Republican of Maine, Will Not Seek Re-election

WASHINGTON -- In a stunning upheaval in the race to control
the Senate, Senator Olympia Snowe, a three-term Republican from Maine, said
Tuesday she would not run for re-election, citing excessive partisanship in the
Senate.

"After 33 years in the Congress this was not an easy decision,"
said Ms. Snowe in a prepared statement. "My husband and I are in good health. We
have laid an exceptionally strong foundation for the campaign, and I have no
doubt I would have won re-election. It has been an indescribable honor and
immeasurable privilege to serve the people of Maine, first in both houses of
Maine's legislature and later in both houses of Congress. To this day, I remain
deeply passionate about public service, and I cherish the opportunity I have
been given for nearly four decades to help improve the lives of my fellow
Mainers."

Ms. Snowe, a moderate who cast key votes in bills that were
dear to Democrats including the health care legislation and the stimulus bill,
was facing a Tea Party-backed challenger, but one who had failed to gain much
traction in a state where Ms. Snowe remained popular and well
known.

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