Barrow thanks staff in farewell speech

Rep. John Barrow (D-Ga.), who lost reelection this month, thanked his staff in a farewell speech on the House floor.

“I don’t know if this will be the last time I address this House. But I can think of no more appropriate subject for such an occasion than to honor those who have worked with me in the last ten years serving the people of Georgia’s 12th congressional district,” Barrow said.

{mosads}Before naming all of his staff on the floor, Barrow singled out his chief of staff, Ashley Jones, as well as his district director, Lynthia Ross Owens, and Hill Thomas, who he called “by far the most knowledgable legislative director on Capitol Hill.”

“Her loyalty, counsel and friendship have meant the world to me,” Barrow said of Jones.

Barrow said that he owed the longevity of his career on Capitol Hill to his staff.

“Thanks from this congressman will never be enough. My success in this position is because of their dedication to this office,” Barrow said. 

The Georgia Democrat concluded his speech by noting that serving in the House has been a highlight of his life.

“It’s been the honor of my life to have served alongside this team and for all of their hard work and dedication to me and to the people of Georgia’s 12th district. I say thank you,” Barrow said. 

Barrow’s defeat was especially significant given that he is the last white House Democrat from the Deep South. 

If Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) loses her runoff against Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the 2014 midterms will have completely eliminated all white Democrats from the region, which spans Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina.