Kohl says goodbye to Senate, colleagues

Tammy Baldwin replaces Kohl Jan. 2

MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin Sen. Herb Kohl has given his final speech from the floor of the U.S. Senate.

The retiring Democrat delivered brief farewell remarks Thursday morning. He remembered some of his late colleagues with whom he served in his 24 years as a senator and thanked current colleagues.

Kohl took office in 1989 for his first of four terms. The 77-year-old is stepping down after his current term is up Jan. 2.

He spoke for about three minutes. He acknowledged that he hasn’t always agreed with his colleagues but he said every senator is acting on the genuine belief that their actions are best for their states and the nation.

Kohl will be replaced in three weeks by fellow Democrat Tammy Baldwin.

Kohl owns the Milwaukee Bucks and consistently ranks as one of Congress’s wealthiest members. He ran on the motto, “Nobody’s senator but yours,” suggesting he would be answerable to the people, not to special interests.