20 years of public service comes to an end

We are nearing the end of these weekly columns as my Senate offices are nearly closed and computers as well as equipment are being returned to the Senate. December 31st is the last day for my staff. I will officially leave office January 13, 2013.

After 20 years of public service, 8 as governor and 12 as senator, it is during these final weeks that I have a growing concern about the ability of Congress to work together, put aside partisanship, and address our country’s problems.

I’ve found that President Lincoln’s admonishment more than 150 years ago holds true today: “A house divid...