Sen. John D. Rockefeller, D-W.V., leaves the Senate floor on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Dec. 20, 2013.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Retiring Sen. Jay Rockefeller fought back tears Thursday as he bid farewell to the U.S. Senate.
The speech capped a 50-year career of public service for the former governor, delegate and secretary of state.
“To West Virginia, thank you for placing your faith in me — I know it was hard at first — and giving me the greatest reward: the chance to fight for meaningful and lasting opportunity, for those who are too often forgotten but absolutely deserve the best,” he said. “I am forever inspired by you, and I am forever transformed by you.”
The 77-year-old Democrat spoke for more than a half hour Thursday, delivering his farewell address to the U.S. Senate, where he has represented the state for the last 30 years. He received a lengthy standing ovation from fellow senators, staff and invited guests.
“I love the Senate. I love the intensity of the work and the gravity of the issues. I love fighting for West Virginia here…
