POMEROY — Comparing the times to those of the Great Depression and World War II, U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich announced he will not seek re-election in 2010.

Ohio’s Senior Senator is one of four Republicans in the U.S. Senate to announce they will not run again.

“These next two years in office, for me, will be the most important years that I have served in my entire political career,” Voinovich said.

“After prayerful consideration and much thought, my wife, Janet, and I have decided I will not seek a third term in the United States Senate,” Voinovich said in a written statement.

Voinovich said he will devote the next two years to work in the Senate to improve the economy and addressing other national issues.

“In my lifetime of public service, I have never seen the country in such perilous circumstances. Not since the Great Depression and the Second World War have we been confronted with such challenges, as a nation and as a world,” Voinovich said.

“Those of us given the honor to serve in these times must step up to the plate and put this country on a course that will see it through these harrowing times and make it strong and viable.”

“I must devote my full time, energy and focus to the job I was elected to do, the job in front of me, which seeking a third term – with the money-raising and campaigning that it would require – would not allow me to do.”

“In 2010, I will be 74 years old and will have served 44 years in public office, having been elected to more public offices than any other person in Ohio history.”

“We have a great deal to do in this Congress, and I will continue to focus on the areas that matter most: providing the nation a responsible stimulus package; jump-starting our credit markets; re-establishing confidence in the housing market and stemming the tide on mortgage foreclosures; harmonizing our nation’s economic, energy and environmental policies; ensuring safe and stable highways; and continuing to improve the personnel and management of the federal government.”

Ohio’s Junior Senator, Sherrod Brown, praised Voinovich’s service.

“(Voinovich) has been a dedicated public servant and advocate for Ohio. It's been an honor working alongside him in the U.S. Senate. George and I share a commitment to fighting for Ohio during this challenging time for our nation. I look forward to continuing to work with him over the next two years.”