In a farewell speech, outgoing U.S. Senator Jim Bunning delivered an emotional final address but not before slamming several pieces of legislation and showing the public his surly side once more.
First elected to the Senate in 1998, the Hall of Fame pitcher gained national attention for blocking an extension of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans earlier this year. Bunning said his career in baseball prepared him to take such stances.
“I have been booed by 60,000 fans at Yankee Stadium standing alone at the pitcher’s mound,” he said. “So I have never really cared if I stood alone here in Congress as long as I stood by my beliefs and my values. I have also thought that being able to throw a curve ball never was a bad skill for a politician to have.”
The Kentucky lawmaker also used his final speech to criticize the healthcare law — calling it unconstitutional — and financial regulatory reform package — deeming it insufficient — before thanking his wife and children.
After more than two decades of public service, Bunning concluded his remarks and left the Senate chambers where there was noticeably no applause.
Last year, Bunning announced he would not seek a third term and will be replaced by Republican and Tea Party darling Rand Paul.
