U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), today made the following statement regarding U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe’s decision to not seek re-election.

“Olympia Snowe has served her beloved state of Maine, and our country, with strong principles and great distinction for many years.  As both a friend and a colleague, she will be missed, and I wish both her and her husband Jock all the best as they embark on the next chapter in careers dedicated to public service.

“While I would never underestimate the fight ahead in defending any open Senate seat, Republicans remain well-positioned to win back a Senate majority in November.  Maine has a proud history of electing independent leaders, including a Republican Governor in 2010, and while this will be a key battleground in the Fall, I am confident it will remain in Republican hands.”