Glenn to Make Current Senate Term His Last

Thirty-five years to the day after becoming the first American in orbit, Sen. John Glenn (D-Ohio) confirmed Thursday that he would not seek a fifth term.

At Muskingum College chapel in the town where he grew up, he told about 500 supporters and students that, although he wanted to continue to serve, “there is still no cure for the common birthday.”

” . . . Another term in the Senate would take me at the end of that term to the age of 83. For that reason and for that reason alone . . . I have decided I will not be a candidate for reelection to the Senate.”

He briefly mentioned his three historic orbits and his military history but spent most of the hourlong speech urging the students to take an active role in government and society.

Glenn was elected to the Senate in 1974 on a wave of popularity that followed his historic space mission. He has served four consecutive six-year terms.