Senator Barbara Mikulski:
"Senator Sarbanes is a man of great intellect and great integrity. He is a steadfast champion for Maryland and for the little guy. He is a passionate environmentalist and a strong advocate for the Chesapeake Bay. He led the fight against corporate greed, and he is a relentless fighter for strong communities and affordable housing.
"I have worked hands-on with Senator Sarbanes for over two decades. He is a leader: steadfast and duty driven. He always puts principle above politics. He is a work-horse - not a show horse.
"I have no better friend in the United States Senate than Paul Sarbanes. When I first came to the Senate, he helped me develop a strategy for getting on the Appropriations Committee, which has served Maryland so well. Senator Sarbanes made sure that the first Democratic woman Senator had access to the Senate's unique corridors of power.
"I treasure the way our partnership has served the people of Maryland. We will continue to work together in the years ahead.
Congressman Steny Hoyer:
“The decision by my close friend and colleague Paul Sarbanes to not seek re-election to a sixth term in the United States Senate will deprive the State of Maryland and the Congress of one of the most thoughtful, intelligent and committed public servants in our nation’s history.
“Without question, Paul Sarbanes is an intellectual giant in the Senate. He ranks among ‘the best and the brightest,’ who continually enriched our State and our nation over the last four decades with his leadership, wisdom and integrity. His record and career in public office ought to be emulated by all who wish to serve.
“In his three terms in the U.S. House and then five terms in the Senate, Paul Sarbanes has been rightly regarded by Members on both sides of the aisle as a leader who brings people together through the power of his ideas and his example.
“His is a truly an American success story – from his graduation from Princeton University, to his selection as a Rhodes Scholar, to his graduation from Harvard Law School, to his service in the Maryland House of Delegates, the U.S. House and Senate. The same values of hard work, responsibility and education that Paul Sarbanes learned growing up on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the son of Greek immigrants, continue to guide him today.
“While I am saddened that Senator Sarbanes has decided not to seek re-election, I am heartened that he still has two more years of service to give to our State and nation.
“When Senator Sarbanes retires, our State will be losing a humble, historic leader. Our nation will be losing a committed public servant and patriot. And I personally will miss a close friend and trusted counselor. The loss of his insight and leadership will be keenly felt at a time of debate on so many important issues.
“I wish Paul, his wife, Christine, and the entire Sarbanes family nothing but the best in the years ahead.”