STATEMENT OF CONGRESSWOMAN JAN SCHAKOWSKY ON CONGRESSMAN LANE EVANS' DECISION NOT TO SEEK RE-ELECTION

March 28, 2006

STATEMENT OF CONGRESSWOMAN JAN SCHAKOWSKY ON CONGRESSMAN LANE EVANS' DECISION NOT TO SEEK RE-ELECTION

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky released the following statement today on the decision of Congressman Lane Evans not to seek re-election.

"Lane Evans has been a treasured and close friend to me and my family for many years. It has been an honor serving as his colleague in the House of Representatives, and I am saddened that his Parkinson's disease has prompted his decision not to run for re-election in November.

"Since coming to Congress Lane has been a champion for his constituents, for hard working American families, and for progressive values. He served with honor during the Vietnam War and drew on that experience working for our nation's veterans as the top Democrat on the Veterans' Affairs Committee. Lane has always been true to his progressive values. He is a courageous fighter for all good causes and he is an incredibly decent and kindhearted man.

"Lane has been a role model for me and so many others in the House because he has always taken principled positions and he always works to help those in need. He will always be my great friend, but it will not be the same without him here in Congress. We all owe Lane Evans our deep gratitude for his outstanding service to this nation."