I expected my decision would elicit little reaction here in Arizona, and less in Washington. The events of the last week have, to say the least, stunned and deeply humbled me.

My decision was made after deep reflection and consultation with my family. It was entirely a personal decision between me and my family. The reactions of my constituents and my friends now suggest there were implications far broader than we had contemplated...

Congressman Mike Pence of Indiana, when asked why he circulated the letter amongst my colleagues urging me to reconsider, quoted President Abraham
Lincoln who when asked why he kept General Ulysses S. Grant responded: “I cannot spare the man, he fights.” Frankly, my family has encouraged me, over the last week to reconsider my decision and is willing to continue to sacrifice so I may continue to fight.

"Your intellectual consistency in defense of the Constitution and passionate articulation of conservative principles is in need now more than ever,"

"We fear that without you and the long-term perspective you bring to every debate, our battles will be difficult to win.

"The Republican Conference needs you here, the conservative movement needs you here, and the country needs you here."