“As many of you know, over the last several months I have been giving serious consideration to becoming a candidate for the 2004 Presidential elections.

        “There were many reasons for my doing so.  Foremost among these is that our country is at a critical crossroads.  There is a new insecurity in our land.  The threat of terrorism continues to loom on the horizon.  The threat of job losses and an economic slowdown continue to be deeply felt by people in Connecticut and across America.  The prospects for a secure future for our people have over the past two years become dramatically less certain.   All of that argues for new leadership in the Executive Branch.  But that leadership is at least twenty-three months away.  And twenty-three months is a virtual lifetime when one considers that the decisions made by leaders in Washington during that time could well prove irreversible and irreparable for our people.

        “It has become very obvious to me that in the days, weeks, and months to come, the Senate will be a focal point for America's future.  Critically important decisions will be made about national security, homeland security, education, jobs, and the environment.  Every voice, and every vote, can make a difference.  I intend to use my voice and my vote to serve the people of our state and our nation to the best of my ability.   For that reason I have decided that I will not seek the nomination of my party for President.

        “It has been said that the purpose of politics is to give people hope.  I believe that deeply.

        “As Connecticut's Senator, I plan to do all I can to give back to our people the sense of optimism and hope that is being taken away by short-sighted leadership in the White House and the Congress.  My promise to the people of this state is that I'll continue to work for renewed opportunity, prosperity, and security for them and all Americans.”