Praises Pour in as Frank Wolf Announces Retirement from Congress

For more than three decades Frank R. Wolf has served Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.

He was first elected the same year Ronald Reagan was elected president. Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia and the USSR were countries then, as well as East and West Germany. Control of Congress and the White House has shifted back and forth between the major parties since that time.

Through it all, Wolf has represented Virginia’s 10th. But after 2014, Wolf will leave his seat on the Hill and devote more of his time to the things that have occupied his years in Congress – human rights, religious freedom, justice, reconciliation, advocating those unable to speak for themselves, and, of course, family.

“My passion for these issues has been influenced by the examples of President Ronald Reagan, former Congressmen Jack Kemp and Tony Hall, Chuck Colson, and the life of 18th century Member of Parliament William Wilberforce,” Wolf said in a statement that also recognized his constiuents.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley,” he said. “I thank my constituents for giving me the privilege of representing them in Congress for 34 years.”

Political leaders from both major parties and Loudoun’s business community were quick to bid thanks and offer kinds words – for the most part.

“Whether he was fighting for funding for local roads, helping our job seekers find employment, raising awareness of hunger issues in our community or challenging the leaders of the world to stand up for human rights and religious freedom, Frank Wolf always put people before politics,” said Tony Howard, president and CEO of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce.

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) called Wolf "a Virginia institution.”

“As the longest serving member of our congressional delegation he possesses a knowledge of the Commonwealth that few can match,” McDonnell said. “As a person, he possesses the kind-of compassion, empathy and understanding that we all only hope to emulate.”

Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Pat Mullins said he would miss Wolf “in politics, but know he is leaving to commit his life to helping others who desperately need help and hope.”

Loudoun Supervisor Ken Reid (R-Leesburg) recalled Wolf flat rejecting Reid’s proposal, when he was on the Leesburg Town Council, to name a street after Wolf.

Reid said Wolf “wanted nothing to do with it. Frank Wolf does not do things for recognition; he does them because it is right for the district, his constituents and the nation at large.”

But the business leaders and fellow party members were not the only ones to weigh in.

Virginia Gov.-elect Terry McAuliffe (D) called Wolf “a statesman of the highest order” and pointed not only to the congressman’s human rights work her and abroad, but also Wolf’s leadership on economic development projects, such as Metro’s Silver Line to Dulles.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) called Wolf “a tireless and leading advocate for religious freedom around the world” and “model for all of us who serve.”

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Democratic congressman Gerry Connolly and Jim Moran were among others offering praise.

Not all comments were of praise. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Executive Director Kelly Ward suggested Wolf was leaving to avoid having to defend his party’s record. And Democrat Richard Bolger, who is running for his party’s nomination for 10th District seat, said it was time for new leadership. Bolger, Sam Kubba and Fairfax Supervisor John Foust have all announced bids for the Democratic nomination.

Wolf’s exit will likely put national eyes on the seat, which remains in a conservative district, but in a state that has been straddling the political spectrum. However, Democrats, who control the U.S. Senate, have a long way to go to take over the House of Representatives, which the GOP controls 234-201.

Virginia’s 10th Congressional District includes all of Loudoun County, but also extends east, west and south. During his years in Congress, Wolf has represented all or parts of the following counties and cities:  Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Fauquier, Clarke, Frederick, Warren, Shenandoah, Rockingham, Rappahannock, Page, Winchester, Manassas and Manassas Park.

Wolf’s full retirement statement:

“I have decided not to seek re-election to the U.S. Congress in 2014.  It has been an honor to serve the people of northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.  I thank my constituents for giving me the privilege of representing them in Congress for 34 years.

“As a follower of Jesus, I am called to work for justice and reconciliation, and to be an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.  I plan to focus my future work on human rights and religious freedom – both domestic and international – as well as matters of the culture and the American family.  My passion for these issues has been influenced by the examples of President Ronald Reagan, former Congressmen Jack Kemp and Tony Hall, Chuck Colson, and the life of 18th century Member of Parliament William Wilberforce.

“I want to thank the many excellent former and current members of my staff who have helped me serve the people of the 10th District.  I am also grateful to my wife, Carolyn, and my family, who have faithfully stood by me all these many years."

Statement of Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tony Howard

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and more than 1,100 member businesses of the Loudoun County Chamber, I am proud to say “Thank You” to Congressman Frank Wolf for his more than three decades of tireless and effective service on behalf of our Loudoun community.  From his first day in office, Congressman Wolf has served the citizens of Virginia’s Tenth Congressional District with integrity and purpose, and that has earned him the respect and admiration of his constituents and colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats.”

“Whether he was fighting for funding for local roads, helping our job seekers find employment, raising awareness of hunger issues in our community or challenging the leaders of the world to stand up for human rights and religious freedom, Frank Wolf always put people before politics. The United States Congress and the people of Virginia are losing a true Statesman in every sense of the word.  While we are saddened to lose such an outstanding representative, we are grateful to him and to his family for the sacrifices that have made him such an outstanding and well-respected leader.”

The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce is the “voice of business” on behalf of its more than 1,100 members on issues that impact the economy and quality of life in Loudoun County.  To learn more about the Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda click here.

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell

"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. As a person, he possesses the kind-of compassion, empathy and understanding that we all only hope to emulate. 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. 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. 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."

Statement of RPV Chairman Pat Mullins 

"I worked closely with Frank Wolf when I was Chairman of the Fairfax County Republican Committee. 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. 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. He will no longer be my Congressman, but he will always be my friend." 

Statement of Delegate Randy Minchew (R-10)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my good friend Congressman Wolf for his many years of service to our community. In his 34 years in Congress he has been a great servant for Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. We are forever grateful for his service to our Commonwealth. I met Congressman Wolf back in 1976 as an 18-year old voter and Langley High School graduate and remember how impressed I was by his commitment to public service and earnestness. My opinion on this great man has only grown over the years. In American politics, quite often an elected leader’s devotion to great cause is enshrined in the history books as a doctrine; think of the Monroe Doctrine and its Roosevelt Corollary and the Truman Doctrine. I foresee a day in the not so distant future when we will hear of the Wolf Doctrine, a principled stand that America will never look the other way when despotic governments around the world enslave their citizens, oppress the free exercise of religious beliefs, and seek to snuff out the light of liberty." 

Statement of Del. Joe May (R-33)

"Congressman Frank Wolf’s announcement of retirement yesterday means that Virginia will soon lose one of its truest and most effective representatives in public office. As a constituent I’ve seen firsthand how Virginia and our region have benefited from his principled and evenhanded representation of the 10th congressional district for the last 32 years. I am abundantly happy for Frank that he will have additional time to enjoy with his family uninterrupted by the intrusion of politics. I am further glad for Frank that he will have increased opportunity to work on the humanitarian issues which I’ve always understood to be his true passion. 

"Regardless, I’ve greatly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to work with Frank on a variety of issues affecting the 33rd district and Northern Virginia in general.  He is a man of great character and resolve and we will miss his representation."

Statement of Loudoun Supervisor Ken Reid (R-Leesburg)

Rep. Frank Wolf did amazing work for Leesburg and Loudoun County in his decades of service in the House of Representatives.

It was Rep. Wolf who secured the federal funds necessary to build the critical missing link of Battlefield Parkway between Kincaid Boulevard and Route 7 in 2003.  That road opened in 2009 and has been a Godsend for the people of Leesburg, particularly those in the Southeast quadrant, whom at one time, had only Sycolin Road as an artery to get in and out of their neighborhoods.  In fact, when I served on the Town Council, I suggested naming the road after him.  But Frank wanted nothing to do with that.  Frank Wolf does not do things for recognition; he does them because it is right for the district, his constituents and the nation at large.

Frank also secured funds to get the instrument landing system installed at Leesburg Executive Airport  Leesburg had a series of light plane crashes from 2002-2005 and the ILS has improved safety and the viability of the Airport.

Frank was out front before any other elected officials in highlighting the excessive tolls on the Dulles Greenway,  the need for better treatment and awareness of Lyme disease -- which is perhaps Loudoun County's No. 1 public health problem, and creating the Northern Virginia Anti-Gang Task Force, which has been chaired by Leesburg Police Chief Joe Price.

And, when two local teens lost their lives on U.S. 15 north of Leesburg in December 2006, Frank convened a meeting with federal, state and local officials to get safety improvements on that road.

These are just SOME of his accomplishments for the 10th District. There are way more.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Frank both as a Supervisor and member of the Leesburg Town Council.  He is a stellar public servant who always put the needs of his constituents above politics and partisanship.  He pays very close attention to local issues -- not just national issues -- and is a model for what other members of Congress should be.

I hope that the 10th District's next representative in Congress will do his or her utmost to live up to Frank's standards and be the congressman for the people that Frank Wolf has been all these years.

Statement of Supervisor Matt Letourneau (R-Dulles)

Loudoun County Supervisor Matt Letourneau (R-Dulles) issued the following statement regarding Congressman Frank Wolf's announcement today that he will not be seeking an 18th term in the U.S. House of Representatives:

"Congressman Wolf has been a tireless advocate for Northern Virginia and for Loudoun County.  In the coming year, we will have time to reflect on his significant legacy, which includes the expansion of Metro to Loudoun and numerous other projects which have benefited our citizens.  In his statement today, Congressman Wolf cited his desire to continue his work on human rights and religious freedom--issues for which he has rightfully become a globally recognized leader.  I was proud to have Congressman Wolf's support during my campaign for Supervisor in 2011 and look forward to working with him and his staff during his final year in the House."

Statement of Governor-elect McAuliffe (D) 

“Congressman Frank Wolf is a dedicated, talented and passionate public servant who has been an exemplary representative for the people of Northern Virginia for more than 30 years. His career in congress is a testament to what leaders can achieve when they put partisanship aside and find common ground on the issues that matter to the people they serve.

“Through his advocacy on behalf of Virginia’s federal workers, his leadership on key economic development projects like Rail to Dulles, and his efforts to secure justice and human rights in our nation and abroad, Congressman Wolf has been a statesman of the highest order. Virginians will miss his voice in congress.”

Statement of U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D) 

“Frank Wolf has been a true friend, and a great partner, both when I served as Virginia Governor and since I’ve joined Congress. 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.  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.

“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.”

Statement of U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D) 

“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. 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.

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

Statement of U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (R-VA) 

“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,” Congressman Gerry 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."

Statement of U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) 

“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.  I’ll miss him, he is a friend and I know will continue to be.”

Statement of DCCC Executive Director Kelly Ward 

“House Republicans have inflicted untold damage on northern Virginia families, with their reckless government shutdown and refusal to focus on the right priorities like creating jobs. With more irresponsible brinksmanship on the horizon, it’s no wonder that Frank Wolf is choosing to leave Congress rather than defend his party’s record of failing on jobs, failing to work together and failing to protect seniors. Looking ahead to 2014, Virginia Republicans’ track record of nominating the most extreme candidate means they won’t find a centrist to fill Frank Wolf’s shoes in this toss-up district, but they will choose a candidate who will look at lot like the radicals in this Republican Congress.” 

Statement of Richard Bolger, Democratic candidate for congress 

“Today’s announcement ensures that the 10th District will have new representation. We need a member of Congress who truly represents the interests of our district and brings common-sense solutions to the Capitol,” Bolger said. “We need new leadership from someone who has experience fighting for middle class families, not longtime politicians. I have spent the last 30 years of my life advocating for the middle class, helping people find solutions to their toughest problems with dignity and integrity. I intend to bring those values with me to Congress.”

Bolger also renewed his call for an open primary for the Democratic nomination. “The best way to ensure that our party fields the strongest nominee for the general election is to let the voters decide who they would like to represent them. I look forward to the opportunity to meet people across the district, debate the issues, and put Washington back on the side of the people.”