U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, who has been in office for more than 30 years, announced he won't be running for re-election in 2014 on Thursday.

On the Ferndale Patch Facebook page, some Patch readers said they were happy with the decision while others were disappointed to see the long-time senator retire.

Here's what readers had to say so far in response to the news:

• Katie S.: Very happy!
• Josh H.: THANK GOD. We need some good term limits for these career politicians.
• Katie M.: Sorry to see such a great advocate for Michigan step aside.
• Rob Z: A little shocked actually. He is a good man, and a huge advocate for Michigan on capitol hill.
• Jan S.: Very sorry to see him go.

Levin, 78, released at statement Thursday afternoon stating “I can best serve my state and my nation by concentrating in the next two years on the challenging issues before us … in other words, by doing my job without the "distraction of campaigning for re-election," according to the Detroit Free Press.

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