WASHINGTON (AP) _ Sen. Richard Lugar says the Senate should focus on the unique role it plays in good governance and avoid the political posturing he’s seen in recent years.
The Indiana Republican, who is wrapping up 36 years in the Senate, said in a farewell address Wednesday that he’s seen the good work the Senate can do. But Lugar laments the growth in partisanship and self-promotion he’s seen in recent years. He says it’s slowed down the work of the body and locked lawmakers in inflexible and unrealistic positions.
Lugar says the irony is most senators he’s worked with are hardworking and genuinely interested in public service.
Lugar will leave the Senate in January. He failed in a bid for a seventh term, losing in the GOP primary earlier this year.