Thank you all for coming today.

Almost 17 years ago I came to the State Capitol, elected by my constituents to serve them and the State of Connecticut to the best of my ability, to represent their interests, to be their voice, and to vote on the issues and causes they gave me the guidance to pursue on their behalf.

During the years that followed, the people of the 32nd District gave me their confidence and support to do what I thought was right for them and the people of this great state. For the last several years, my peers in the Republican Caucus gave me an honor known to few people, to be their leader, and to speak and act on the important issues of the day – taxes and spending, education, public safety, health care, the environment, and many, many more.

During my time in the Senate, an institution I respect and treasure, I have met and worked with many wonderful, dedicated public servants – Senators, State Representatives, Governors, staff, advocates for many causes and, most importantly, the every day people who care about Connecticut. Some who come immediately to mind are Dell Eads, John Larson, Tom Ritter, Kevin Sullivan, Rich Balducci, Moira Lyons, Bob Ward, Larry Cafero and, of course, Governor Rell and Lieutenant Governor Fedele. These are people I greatly respect, people who always worked in a bipartisan manner for the best interest of our state. People who did not violate the trust placed in them. I did not – ever – violate the public trust.

I have tried to be a faithful public servant – someone who understands that we are only as good as the people who gave us the honor to serve. I have had the honor of working on many issues in a bipartisan manner. Yes, I have been passionate about what I believe and make no apologies about it. But, in the end, I have always sought to find ways to make our state better by listening, compromising and acting in a positive manner – to do what is best for all the citizens of Connecticut.

No one can say I have not been a lucky man. I have been overwhelmed by the support of people in this room, and countless citizens in my district and around the state who have offered kind words and prayers for me and my family during this time. There is no adequate way to thank them or acknowledge each of them except to say that I will always treasure their kindness.

I harbor no ill will or anger toward those who think poorly of my conduct or my actions that have brought us here today. I believe in my heart that my actions were designed to protect my family and to keep my family whole and safe from the horrible nature of domestic violence. But, what I did and the choices I made were not the right ones. I have said that, acknowledged that, and paid a price for it, and will continue to seek understanding for my decisions.

To my family - no man is more fortunate to have the love and support throughout my public life and over these past few months that I have had. I have been blessed beyond belief by their strength.

My wife, Alice, has been my rock. She is the greatest partner, confidante and wife that any man could have. Her love is unmovable, resolute and infinite. I would not have made it this far in life without her.

But, with all of the support and kind wishes also comes the realization that there is a time and place for all things to end. We have fought the good fight, been true to our principles, and done the best that my family and God has given us the strength and wisdom to meet these tests.

This chapter in my public life will be ending, but not my intention to talk about the issues which I care about, particularly the issue of domestic violence and abuse.

Domestic violence, and its impact on families across Connecticut, tears at the social and emotional heart of society.  Its causes and its consequences have not been adequately addressed by the courts, the legislature, or law enforcement. These last few years have been immensely painful for our family as we have attempted to deal with each part of its hurtful trail.

Domestic violence cuts across generations, leaves many victims without a voice or with options that can bring comfort, protection and resolution to those who live in fear and feel its pain on a daily basis.

In the coming months and years, I will lend my voice and time to speaking out on domestic violence, to advocate for victims, to seek changes in our laws to provide protection and services to those who need them, and to advise in what small way I can regarding the right choices – not the choices I made.

It is my hope and goal that those who are listening can see there is a way to protect the abused and restore families through education and action. Whatever I can do to make this happen, I will do with the same energy with which I have tried to represent my constituents in the last 17 years as their State Senator.

For now, I must do what is right for my family, my district, and my state. I will retire from the State Senate and resign my office effective November 30, 2007.

The DeLuca family is grateful to those who have stood with us throughout this ordeal, as am I. To the people here today, to the many legislators I have served with, and to the many people who have shown their faith in me, I say thank you, I love you, and farewell.

 Press Contact: Catherine Sarault, Director of Press, Senate Republican Office, 860-240-8818