Politics & Government

Politicos Weigh In on Frank Wolf's Retirement: Goodbye to a 'Virginia Institution'

Virginia politicians react to news that one of their own is retiring after three decades in Congress.

The news of Republican Congressman Frank Wolf's retirement ricocheted 'round Capitol Hill and Northern Virginia Tuesday. His colleagues had something to say about the man who has toiled for his constituents the past three decades.

 “Frank Wolf has been a true friend, and a great partner, both when I served as Virginia Governor and since I’ve joined Congress," saidSen. Mark Warner, a Democrat. "He is a tireless and leading advocate for religious freedom around the world.

“We have worked closely together on Northern Virginia transportation issues, and partnered in consecutive sessions of Congress on bipartisan legislation that would encourage the on-shoring of jobs back to Virginia which have moved overseas in recent years," Warner said. "Frank has also been a passionate advocate and reliable ally in my ongoing efforts to find common ground on issues surrounding our nation’s deficits and debt.

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“Congressman Wolf’s dedication in over 17 terms in Congress, and his exceptionally high level of service to the constituents he proudly represents in Virginia’s 10th District, will remain a model for all of us who serve," Warner said.

Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11th), who ended up representing some of Wolf's constituents after redistricting, weighed in Tuesday as well:

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“It has been an honor and privilege to work with Congressman Frank Wolf, both as a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and the last five years in Congress,” Connolly said.   

“Frank has been a leader on Rail to Dulles, a tireless champion of federal workers, a partner in gang prevention, and a passionate advocate for human rights around the world. Congress and Northern Virginia will forever be grateful for his service." 

Congressman Jim Moran (D-8th) noted his own lengthy service (although not 34 years): “I’ve had the privilege of serving with Frank for the past 23 years.  From transportation issues to protecting federal workers, we have always found common ground around what’s best for Northern Virginia.”

“Frank has been a tireless advocate for his constituents over his 17 terms in office," Moran said. "I’ll miss him, he is a friend and I know will continue to be.”

Former governor and Capitol Hill "newbie" Sen. Tim Kaine also weighed in Tuesday: “For more than 30 years, Frank Wolf has exemplified the best in public service through his dedication to the people of Virginia’s 10th District," said Kaine.

"Frank’s passion has also extended to the global stage through his leadership on the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and longtime support for religious freedom around the world – an effort that has inspired me to take up the cause of religious freedom in my own work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee," Kaine said.

“It’s been a sincere honor to work with him this past year, as well as during my time as Governor," Kaine said. "His leadership of Virginia’s congressional delegation and his service to the people of Northern Virginia will truly be missed.”

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R)who will soon be leaving the governor's office, issued a statement as well Tuesday: “Frank Wolf is a Virginia institution. As the longest serving member of our congressional delegation, he possesses a knowledge of the Commonwealth that few can match," he said. 

"As a person, he possesses the kind-of compassion, empathy and understanding that we all only hope to emulate," McDonnell said. "There is a reason Frank has served so long, and why his retirement is being met with so many expressions of admiration and respect: he has earned it. Frank is a Republican, and he believes deeply in his principles. But he has always been a Virginian first."

"He has sought out common ground, he has worked across the aisle, he has represented the people of this Commonwealth with distinction and with grace," McDonnell said. "His public service has never stopped, however, at the Potomac River, or the Atlantic Ocean. Frank is perhaps best known for his human rights work, whether it be standing for peace in the Sudan, or fighting for justice for the victims of human trafficking.

“Finally, I have to say on a personal level, how much I have benefited from the counsel and insights of Frank Wolf," McDonnell said. "He has never hesitated to help me, first as attorney general and now as governor, better understand the issues facing the 10th District, or any part of Virginia. He has been a constant source of information and ideas. We need a lot more Frank Wolf’s serving in Congress. Today, on behalf of a grateful Commonwealth, I thank Frank for his tireless service to our state and nation. Frank Wolf has a servant’s heart.”

Pat Mullins, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, had this to say Tuesday:

"I worked closely with Frank Wolf when I was Chairman of the Fairfax County Republican Committee," Mullins said. "I have always referred to Frank as 'My Congressman' even though I never lived in his District nor had an opportunity to vote for him."

"One of the many things that I admired about Frank was the fact that he steadfastly refused to do any campaigning or political events on Sunday," Mullins said. "That was his day to worship and to be with his family. He is one of the most honest and devout people it has ever been my privilege to know. He believed and practiced that the two most important things in his life were his God and his family."

"I will miss him in politics, but know he is leaving to commit his life to helping others who desperately need help and hope," Mullins said. "He will no longer be my Congressman, but he will always be my friend." 


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