U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Kentucky, wrapped up a 16-year Congressional career with a final speech from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.
“I won’t miss everything about the circus, and I will miss many, but not all of the clowns,” Yarmuth said.
Yarmuth looked back on his time in Congress with a realists view, saying he would miss the feeling that he was part of history, though it might not be the history he would brag about. He said he would also miss the thoughtful discussions on how Congress could make a positive difference in the lives of Americans. “Even if we’d make as big of a difference as we’d want.”
“I won’t miss the reality that most of our rhetorical firepower is preaching to our respective choirs and that too much of what we say comes from the devils and not the angels of our nature,” he said. “I won’t miss the constant emphasis on raising money and the apparent conviction of some, that only gobs of money can persuade voters to win elections.”
Yarmuth will be succeeded by state Sen. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, who he endorsed in the primary. McGarvey is expected to resign his state Senate seat in January triggering a special election. Metro Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong is angling for her party’s nomination for the Senate seat. If Chambers is elected, her seat in Louisville’s Metro Council would be filled by a vote of the Metro Council Members.
