August 23, 1983
The President certainly respects [Senator Tower's] decision but also regrets it. He has the utmost
respect for [Senator] Tower as an outstanding chairman of the Armed Services Committee and
also as a Republican leader and strong supporter of the President's policies. The President
understands his reasons and respects his reasons, but regrets it.
Note: Deputy Press Secretary Larry M. Speakes made the statement to reporters onboard Air
Force One, en route to Seattle, Wash., from Los Angeles, Calif. He also stated that the President
met with Senator Tower on August 13 in El Paso, Tex., and that the Senator had then informed
the President of his decision not to seek reelection.