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Sen. Bob Casey not running for president

Casey announced his decision in a statement excoriating Republicans and Trump

Sen. Bob Casey, D-PA., is interviewed for TV in the Russell Rotunda on March 20, 2013. (Douglas Graham/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Sen. Bob Casey, D-PA., is interviewed for TV in the Russell Rotunda on March 20, 2013. (Douglas Graham/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Sen. Bob Casey announced Friday that he won’t make a bid for the White House in 2020.

In a statement, the Pennsylvania Democrat said that 2020 is “not the time.”

“With so much at stake for our nation, 2020 will be the most important Presidential election of the modern era,” Casey said. “I have no doubt that our Democratic Party will nominate a candidate who can win Pennsylvania and the Presidency.”

President Donald Trump narrowly won Pennsylvania in 2016. Casey won re-election last fall by 13 points.

“The people of Pennsylvania have given me the privilege of being the first Democrat, and one of only five Senators in more than 100 years, to be elected to a third term,” Casey said. “I am grateful for the honor of serving the people of our Commonwealth in the years ahead and to continue my work on their behalf.”

Also watch: ‘I’m not sure what’s going on, but I object’: Confusion on House floor Thursday during attempted shutdown-ending vote

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A crowded field for the Democratic nomination already includes some of Casey’s Senate colleagues, including New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. California Sen. Kamala Harris is expected to announce her candidacy this weekend.

Casey’s statement excoriated congressional Republicans and the Trump administration for undermining social safety net programs, and neglecting issues like the high cost of college tuition and prescription drugs.

He urged both parties to “enhance our national security and rebuild our alliances, which have been shaken by President Trump’s dangerous fascination with Vladimir Putin and despots around the world.”

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