Statement of Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell

Tuesday, August 26, 2003

Four years ago, I asked Missourians for the opportunity to serve as your Lieutenant Governor.  

I have worked hard to make the most of that opportunity.  

Working together with Governor Holden and other members of our team we've accomplished a great deal in a short time -- prescription drug coverage for seniors, nursing home reform, connecting veterans to their benefits, and advocating for citizen volunteerism and community service.  

I am proud of what we have accomplished but also mindful of the work that remains to be done.  

Thus, it has always been my intention to go back to the voters in 2004 and seek a second term.  

In recent months we have been hard at work laying the foundation for our re-election campaign.

At the same time, we have had to face some significant issues in the Maxwell family.  

Specifically, my wife Sarah has been dealing with a physically painful and debilitating medical condition.  

Thankfully, there have been no indications that this is a life-threatening problem.  

However, the problem - which appears to be some sort of nerve or bone condition - thus far has defied a specific diagnosis, and we are continuing to spend a great deal of time and effort on seeking and obtaining appropriate treatment.  

I am sure you can understand the strain a situation like this puts on a family. 

You all know how the Maxwells campaign.  We're all in it together as a family, and we give it 110 percent.  

That's why we've been successful.  

We are dealing with Sarah's health problems the same way - together as a family.  

However, as this situation has developed, it has become apparent that we as a family - and I as a husband and father -- simply cannot take on both of these challenges at the same time and do justice to either.  

We had to make a choice, and there was no doubt what that choice had to be.  

Thus, I am announcing today that I will not stand for re-election as Lieutenant Governor in 2004.  

I have discussed this decision with Governor Holden, who was very understanding and supportive, and I will spend the next few days communicating this decision to our many friends and supporters around the state.  

I know that you all will understand and support the decision we have made.  

I have tremendously enjoyed my work as your Lieutenant Governor and I am looking forward to the challenges we will face in the remaining 16 months of my term in office.  

I have always been candid about my ambitions to seek higher office in the years ahead, and those are dreams we still hope to fulfill.  

But not right now.  

Right now, there are other challenges in my life that as a husband and a father, I must put first.  

Sarah, Megan, Shannen and I will always be grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve as Lieutenant Governor.  

God has blessed us, and we pray He continues to do so.  

Thank you all for your support and understanding.