Chris Shays took the stage at the Norwalk Inn at 9:45 p.m., accompanied by his wife, Betsi, and their daughter, Jeramy. "My two-year contract has not been renewed. No one likes being told someone else is taking their place, so there are disappointments," a composed Shays told his supporters in a concession speech at 9:45 p.m. "There are absolutely no regrets whatsoever." Shays apologized for not bringing home a victory, but told his supporters that he was proud of completing his last congressional campaign without a single negative ad. Shays lingered until nearly midnight, offering his thanks and making his goodbyes. "I want it understood: My days of running for public office are over," Shays said.
Winner Jim Himes called Shays "a man who has stood for many things," often "against his party," and the district owes him "a tremendous debt." "He's a man of courage of grace, and I respect enormously the fact that this very talented man chose to devote his life to public service. That's something that many, many people who don't take that path should respect him for." Congressman Chris Shays of Connecticut served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji in the 1960's.
PCOL Comment: We are sorry for the loss of Republican moderate Chris Shays' Congressional seat in the Obama landslide of 2008. Shays is a true independent thinker and as a returned volunteer has been one of the strongest supporters of the Peace Corps during his 21 years in Congress. Shays has been a selfless public servant who was never afraid to speak out for what he believed and we wish him every success in his future. He will be missed.
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