Republican Sen. Kit Bond announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election in 2010, saying he does not "aspire to become Missouri's oldest senator."
Bond, 69, made the announcement at the state Capitol, shortly after Missouri lawmakers convened.
"Public service has been a blessing and a labor of love for me. Little in life could be more fulfilling, but I have decided that my Senate career will end after this, my fourth term," he said.
Bond was first elected to the Senate in 1986 - the only Republican that year to capture a seat previously held by a Democrat. Voters re-elected him three times. Before joining the Senate, Bond was Missouri governor and state auditor.
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